Thai police in Region 1 announced on 24 June 2026, the arrest of two Indian nationals following a raid on a safehouse in Thawi Watthana, Bangkok, where 200 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, known locally as ice, were seized. The operation also led to the confiscation of three vehicles allegedly used in the trafficking network. Get today's headlines by email The suspects, identified as Ramesh, 45, and Ajeshkumar, 41, were detained at a residence in Soi Borommaratchachonnani 68, Sala Thammasop subdistrict, after officers observed suspicious activity linked to drug unloading from a Mitsubishi Mirage. According to police, the investigation began on 22 June 2026 when officers in Pathum Thani expanded inquiries from a previously arrested low-level drug network. Surveillance and CCTV tracking identified a grey Mitsubishi Mirage as a key vehicle used to transport narcotics. Officers followed the vehicle across provincial boundaries to the Bangkok safehouse, where the suspects were seen transferring multiple white sacks into the property. A search uncovered 200 sealed packages of methamphetamine, each weighing approximately one kilogram, totalling 200 kilograms. Authorities also seized two additional Toyota vehicles, one black registered in Bangkok and one white registered in Chonburi, alongside another Mitsubishi Mirage registered in Chonburi. Police Lieutenant General Watana Yijian, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 1, said the group appeared to be part of a transnational trafficking network. Investigators found evidence that the seized vehicles had already been processed for transit permits intended for travel to neighbouring countries, with the drugs believed to be destined for onward distribution to a third country. Pictures courtesy of Naewna Officials described the suspects as logistical operators within a wider international syndicate. The case has been referred to the Office of the Narcotics Control Board for forensic and financial investigations aimed at tracing money flows and identifying additional members of the network. Naewna reported that both suspects remain in custody and face prosecution under Thai narcotics laws. Police said further investigations will focus on passport records, cross-border movements and communication data to identify higher-level organisers. Authorities also urged the public to report suspicious activity involving foreign nationals or unusual property rentals, as efforts continue to dismantle the wider trafficking chain. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 25 June 2026
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