Authorities Seize 400 Blocks of Heroin on Mekong Riverbank

Pictures courtesy of Matichon

Thai provincial authorities and security agencies in Nakhon Phanom have seized a large consignment of heroin believed to be worth 72 million baht, preventing it from entering domestic distribution networks. The drugs were intercepted along the Mekong River, a known trafficking route, underscoring ongoing challenges in combating cross-border narcotics smuggling. No suspects were arrested at the scene, and investigations are continuing.

The seizure was announced at a press conference held on 27 January at Nakhon Phanom Provincial Hall. The briefing was led by Acting Sub-Lieutenant Adisak Noisuwan, Governor of Nakhon Phanom, alongside Somsak Boonjarn, District Chief of Mueang Nakhon Phanom, Colonel Itthiphon Nonnluecha, Deputy Director of the Operations Centre of NBY.S.24 and Achara Sirichan, the province’s public relations officer. Officials outlined the coordinated operation that led to the discovery of the drugs.

According to authorities, on 25 January Chakraphon Thienphakdi, a deputy district officer of Mueang Nakhon Phanom, received intelligence indicating that a transnational drug trafficking network planned to smuggle narcotics across the Mekong River. The operation was expected to take place in the Tha Kho subdistrict between 3.00am and 5.00am on 26 January. The information was reported to senior officials, who then coordinated with Border Patrol Police Company 236, the Nakhon Phanom Provincial Police Investigation Division and other security agencies to plan an interception.

Officials later received confirmation that the drugs had been transported from a neighbouring country and deposited on the riverbank. Officers moved to inspect the area at Ban Mueang Kao, Village 2, in the Tha Kho subdistrict of Mueang Nakhon Phanom district. At the site, they discovered four sacks containing a total of 400 blocks of Category 1 narcotics, identified as heroin.

Each sack contained approximately 100 block, with each block weighing about 350 grams. The total estimated value of the seized heroin was placed at 72 million baht. The drugs were confiscated as evidence, but no individuals were found at the scene during the operation.

Matichon reported that authorities stated that investigations are now under way to expand the case and identify those responsible for the shipment. Security agencies are working to trace the network involved and pursue arrests and legal action against all parties connected to the attempted smuggling.

Key Takeaways

• Authorities seized 400 blocks of heroin worth an estimated 72 million baht in Nakhon Phanom.

• The drugs were found on the Mekong Riverbank, with no suspects arrested at the scene.

• Officials are expanding the investigation to track down the trafficking network.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Matichon 2026-01-28