Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

Police have seized 4.8 million methamphetamine pills worth an estimated 150 million baht after a suspected drug transport lorry crashed into a canal in Lopburi province on 22 January 2026. The discovery followed a dramatic pursuit after officers identified the vehicle as suspicious while it was travelling from northern Thailand towards Bangkok. One man was injured and taken into custody as authorities moved swiftly to secure the drugs and investigate the wider network behind the shipment.

The incident occurred at around 17:15 on 22 January 2026 in Moo 13, Hua Samrong subdistrict, Mueang district, Lopburi. Police from Ban Boek station were alerted to a six-wheel white and red lorry, registered in Maha Sarakham, that had veered off the road and overturned into a narrow irrigation canal. Inside the vehicle, officers found seven sacks containing methamphetamine pills concealed among a cargo of fresh ginger.

Senior officials attended the scene, including Lopburi deputy governor Phratchaya Pepetang, Pol Maj Gen Worawit Yanjinda, commander of the Metropolitan Police Suppression Division and Pol Maj Gen Yanyong Santipreechawat, Lopburi provincial police chief. According to police reports, the vehicle had been under close surveillance by a special metropolitan anti-narcotics task force since it departed from Fang district in Chiang Mai. Officers were monitoring the lorry to determine its final destination before attempting an interception.

As the truck reached the canal road marking the boundary between Mueang Lopburi district and Phrom Buri district in Sing Buri, the driver became aware he was being followed and accelerated to flee. The driver lost control during the escape attempt and slid off the road into the canal, which contained only a small amount of water. The driver sustained minor injuries and was treated before questioning.

Khoasod reported that the driver was identified as Somjit, aged 42, who told police he owned the lorry and had been hired by a man known only as “Joe”, to deliver fresh ginger to Bangkok. He claimed it was his first time undertaking such a job, though investigators said they were not convinced by his statement. Police initially charged him with possession of a Category 1 narcotic, methamphetamine and transferred him to investigators at Ban Boek police station for further questioning.

Key Takeaways

• Police seized 4.8 million methamphetamine pills hidden in a ginger shipment after a lorry crash in Lopburi.

• The vehicle had been tracked from Fang district, Chiang Mai, by a metropolitan anti-drug task force.

• The driver, Somjit, 42, faces charges for possession of a Category 1 narcotic.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-23

 

 

The driver must have been on meth.