Thai Police Seize 4.4 Million Meth Pills Worth 90 Million Baht in Major Drug Bust
Pathum Thani, Thailand – Thai authorities have made a significant drug bust, seizing 4.4 million methamphetamine pills valued at 90 million baht in a raid conducted in Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani province. The operation, carried out on March 18 at 2 PM, was a joint effort between Provincial Police Region 1, the military, and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board.
Two Suspects Arrested in Major Drug Operation
Police Lieutenant General Surapol Prembutr, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 1, announced the arrests of Mongkhon, 38, and Pongpat, 33, who were found in possession of the massive drug haul.
During the operation, authorities confiscated:
- 4.4 million methamphetamine pills
- Two pickup trucks: a white Isuzu (registration บม 5194 Yasothon) and a grey Toyota Vigo (registration 1กฉ 6443 Bangkok)
- Firearms, including a 9mm pistol with 15 rounds of ammunition and a .32-caliber revolver with six rounds
Surveillance Leads to Bust
Lt. Gen. Surapol revealed that Mongkhon had been under investigation for his role in storing and distributing illegal drugs from a residence in Mueang Pathum Thani. On March 17, a surveillance team led by Police Colonel Kraisorn Sriaporn observed a covered pickup truck parked at the premises.
Shortly after, Mongkhon and Pongpat arrived in a Toyota Vigo, prompting officers to conduct a search. Inside the house, authorities discovered 4.4 million meth pills hidden in various locations.
Suspect Admits to Drug Trafficking Role
According to police reports, Mongkhon confessed that he was paid 60,000 baht ($1,785 USD) per delivery to collect narcotics from pre-arranged locations and temporarily store them before distribution.
Nationwide Crackdown on Drug Trafficking
Lt. Gen. Surapol emphasized that Provincial Police Region 1 is ramping up efforts to dismantle drug hubs and prevent the spread of narcotics into central Thailand.
This intensified effort follows a directive from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to Parliament on September 12, 2024, outlining the government’s commitment to combating crime, particularly drug-related and online offenses.
In response, National Police Chief General Kittirat Phanphet has ordered an accelerated crackdown on drug networks operating in the nine provinces surrounding Bangkok. This initiative includes:
- Targeting cross-border drug trafficking
- Shutting down storage facilities for illegal substances
- Cracking down on electronic cigarette smuggling, which has been linked to organized crime
Ongoing War Against Narcotics
This latest bust represents a major victory in Thailand’s ongoing battle against the illicit drug trade, as authorities continue to dismantle supply chains and apprehend key figures involved in narcotics distribution. Further investigations are ongoing to identify additional members of the trafficking network and prevent future smuggling operations.
