CIB, Narcotics Police Seize 213kg of Ice in Southern Drug Bust

Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid

Police have seized more than 200 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and arrested three suspects in a joint operation targeting a drug trafficking network linked to the three southern border provinces. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) said the suspects allegedly used children as a cover, posing as a family travelling together to avoid detection. The operation resulted in the confiscation of drugs, vehicles and mobile phones, dealing a significant blow to the network’s distribution plans.

The arrests were made under the direction of Pol Lt Gen Nattasak Chawanassai, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, and Pol Maj Gen Phornsak Laorujiralai, Commander of the Highway Police Division. Officers detained three suspects: Ms Khemika, aged 30; Mr Mohamad Hanif Hakimie bin Mah Hussain, aged 28, a Malaysian national and Mr Muhamad Alfan, aged 22. They were charged with possession of a Category 1 narcotic, ice or methamphetamine, with intent to sell for commercial purposes, causing widespread public harm and affecting state security or public safety.

Police seized 213 packages of ice weighing approximately 213 kilograms, two passenger cars used as a transport vehicle and a lead scout car and nine mobile phones used for coordination. The arrests took place at a petrol station car park in Mueang district, Chumphon province. Investigators said the suspects were part of a trafficking network operating out of the three southern border provinces.

According to police, the network planned to transport the drugs from the Bangkok metropolitan area to Narathiwat province using two vehicles travelling together along Phetkasem Road. Officers intercepted the convoy as it travelled south from Prachuap Khiri Khan into Chumphon. In the drug-laden vehicle, police found three children travelling with Ms Khemika, believed to be her own, giving the appearance of a family trip to reduce suspicion.

In the lead vehicle, officers found Mr Muhamad Alfan asleep inside the car, while the driver and another passenger fled during the arrest. Police said the identities of the two fugitives are known and arrest warrants are being sought. Further investigation revealed that the suspects are relatives and friends with links to drug trafficking networks in the southern border provinces, some of which have previously been targeted by police.

Thaitabloid reported that all three arrested suspects have confessed and were handed over to NSB investigators for further legal proceedings. Authorities said further action will focus on tracking down remaining suspects and dismantling the wider network.

Key Takeaways

• Police arrested three suspects and seized 213kg of ice in a joint CIB and NSB operation in Chumphon.

• The network allegedly used children as a cover by posing as a family during drug transport.

• Two suspects escaped and are being pursued as investigations expand into the wider network.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thaitabloid 2026-01-16