Police Seize 10 million Meth Pills Hidden Under Ginger

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Police in Nan province have seized an estimated 10 million methamphetamine pills concealed in a lorry transporting fresh ginger, arresting a 46-year-old driver during an early-morning interception on 18 January 2026. The operation, led by Provincial Police Region 5, disrupted a major drug trafficking route and resulted in one of the largest single meth seizures reported in the area this year.

The arrest took place at around 04.00 on 18 January 2026 after officers identified a suspicious ten-wheel HINO lorry, bearing Lampang registration. A search revealed 40 bags of orange meth pills stamped “WY”, along with four bags of red pills, hidden at the rear of the vehicle beneath plastic sacks filled with fresh ginger to evade detection.

Police said the vehicle had entered Nan province during the night of 17 January, travelling via Ban Luang district towards Mueang Nan. The lorry was later parked near Nan provincial bus terminal, where officers identified themselves and conducted the inspection that uncovered the drugs.

The suspect, identified as Mr Chonchon Songsirichai, 46, from Mae Moh district in Lampang, was taken into custody at the scene. During questioning, he confessed that the meth haul was his responsibility and said he had collected it from an unidentified individual in Sanian sub-district, Mueang Nan.

According to investigators, the intended destination of the shipment was Chai Nat province in central Thailand. Mr Chonchon told police he was to be paid 400,000 baht for the delivery, with payment split between bank transfers and cash, and admitted this was his third time transporting methamphetamine.

The operation was conducted under the direction of Pol Lt Gen Kritthaphon Yeesakorn, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 5, alongside senior officers from the regional investigation division and Nan provincial police. Authorities said the case highlights ongoing efforts to intercept large-scale drug trafficking networks moving narcotics from border areas to the central plains.

Police have charged the suspect with possession of a Category 1 narcotic with intent to sell, unauthorised possession of narcotics, drug consumption, and driving while under the influence of drugs. He and the seized evidence were handed to Pol Lt Col Samran Wongchaiya, an investigator at Mueang Nan Police Station, for further legal proceedings.

Daily News reported that investigators said further inquiries will focus on expanding the case to identify suppliers and other members of the trafficking network involved. The suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues and additional arrests have not been ruled out.

Key Takeaways

• Police in Nan seized around 10 million meth pills hidden beneath fresh ginger in a lorry on 18 January 2026.

• A 46-year-old Lampang man confessed to transporting the drugs to Chai Nat for a fee of 400,000 baht.

• Authorities are expanding the investigation to trace suppliers and wider trafficking networks.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Dailynews 2026-01-19