Bangkok police seize 519kg of crystal meth in two raids

Bangkok police have announced the seizure of 519 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, or ice, in two separate investigations, including a 300kg consignment allegedly destined for southern Thailand.

Metropolitan Police Bureau commissioner Pol Lt Gen Siam Boonsom disclosed the cases on 25 September in his capacity as head of the bureau's narcotics suppression centre. The operations followed orders for investigators to pursue drug networks operating in Bangkok and identify others involved, police said.

Rice sacks found in lorry at petrol station

In the first case, police arrested a 46-year-old Thai man identified as Jirot and seized 300kg of ice, a lorry with Songkhla registration and two mobile phones.

Police said they had received intelligence that crystal meth was to be moved from Bangkok to the South. Officers located the lorry at the Bang Na-Trat Road kilometre 8 inbound petrol station and found Jirot driving it.

A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered 15 rice sacks containing a total of 300kg of ice in the rear cargo area.

According to police, the suspect admitted collecting the drugs from the Ram Inthra area and was to deliver them to Nakhon Si Thammarat province. He allegedly told officers he had made two previous deliveries and had received a combined 300,000 baht in payment.

Police said he had not yet been paid for the third delivery because he was arrested first. Investigators are continuing to trace other people connected to the alleged network.

He was initially charged with possessing a Category 1 narcotic with intent to sell, in an alleged commercial operation said to have contributed to public drug distribution and affected state security or public safety.

Another 219kg allegedly stored in Lat Krabang

In the second case, officers from Metropolitan Police Divisions 6 and 7 arrested three Thai men - Thanaphon, 30, Chaiphon, 36, and Kitiphol, 34 - at an unnumbered house in Soi Thap Yao, Thap Yao sub-district, Lat Krabang district.

Police seized 219kg of ice, a .38-calibre handgun and 12 rounds of ammunition.

Investigators said an informant had reported that three or four Thai male youths regularly gathered at the property. They were allegedly seen using motorcycles to lead cars into and out of the premises at night.

On 24 September, police received information that drugs had been brought to the house for storage before distribution to customers. Officers searched the property and said they found the ice concealed in black plastic bags inside, while the handgun was found on Thanaphon.

Police said all three suspects admitted the drugs belonged to them. They were taken to Metropolitan Police Division 7 for further investigation before being handed to narcotics police investigators for legal proceedings.

Pictures courtesy of Matichon

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26 September 2026

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