Khon Kaen Police Seize 256,000 Meth Pills, Arrest 31-Year-Old

Pictures courtesy of Kaoded

Khon Kaen police have arrested a 31-year-old man and seized more than 256,000 methamphetamine pills during an operation in a public forest area, dealing a significant blow to local drug distribution networks. The suspect confessed to being hired to place the drugs at designated locations in return for a payment of 40,000 baht, according to police.

The arrest was announced during a press conference at the Investigation Division of Khon Kaen Provincial Police. Pol Col Wongsakorn Wanchai, Superintendent of the Investigation Division, identified the suspect as Mr Sarayut, also known as Jo, aged 31, whose registered residence is in Tha Phra subdistrict, Mueang Khon Kaen district. Police displayed the seized evidence, which included 256,011 methamphetamine pills and two mobile phones.

Investigators said the operation followed intelligence from an informant indicating that Mr Sarayut was involved in distributing methamphetamine to customers in Khon Kaen and nearby provinces. The suspect allegedly used a “drop-off” method, placing drugs at agreed locations rather than handing them directly to buyers. Officers from the provincial narcotics suppression unit then set up a controlled operation, with an informant contacting the suspect by phone to arrange the transaction.

Police moved in and arrested the suspect in a public forest area behind a well-known college in Khon Kaen province. The methamphetamine pills were found inside a black rectangular plastic container with a lid. The haul consisted of 253,451 red pills and 2,560 green pills, bringing the total to 256,011 pills.

During questioning, the suspect admitted that the drugs belonged to him and confirmed he had been hired by a third party to place the methamphetamine at various locations for customers. He told police he was paid 40,000 baht for carrying out the task. Officers stated that the suspect and all seized items have been handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings.

Kaoded reported that police said the case highlights the continued use of hired couriers and drop-off methods in the regional drug trade. Authorities will continue investigations to identify and pursue other individuals connected to the network.

Key Takeaways

• A 31-year-old man from Khon Kaen was arrested with 256,011 methamphetamine pills in a public forest area.

• The suspect admitted he was hired by a third party to place drugs at locations for a fee of 40,000 baht.

• Police are continuing investigations to trace others involved in the distribution network.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Kaoded 2026-01-21