Justice Minister Praises Major Drug Crackdown in Central Thailand
Bangkok – Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong has lauded the success of narcotics suppression efforts in the Central region, following the arrest of 12 suspects in three separate operations and the seizure of 11.6 million methamphetamine pills along with other illicit substances.
Massive Drug Seizures Across Multiple Provinces
According to Pol Col Tawee, the seized drugs originated outside Thailand and were transported in batches. Of the confiscated 11.6 million meth pills, 8.4 million came from the North, while the remaining 3.2 million were from the Northeast. Authorities are working to seal 90% of border areas to curb smuggling activities.
Key Drug Raids and Arrests
Ang Thong Drug Warehouse Raid
- Date: Tuesday, February 20
- Location: Ang Thong Province
- Details:
- A police investigation linked to a November drug bust in Saraburi led officers to a drug storage warehouse.
- Authorities discovered 8.4 million meth pills hidden in black plastic bags mixed with ginger.
- Five suspects were arrested while attempting to flee.
- Assets worth over 1 million baht, including vehicles and mobile phones, were confiscated.
- The meth pills had an estimated street value of 160 million baht.
Lop Buri Arrests Linked to Previous Case
- Date: Wednesday, February 21
- Location: Muang District, Lop Buri
- Details:
- Four suspects were arrested in connection with a 2023 case, where police seized 3.2 million meth pills from a crashed truck in Phatthana Nikhom district.
- Investigators uncovered an additional 3.2 million meth pills, along with three vehicles, five mobile phones, and bank records.
Crystal Meth Intercepted in Pathum Thani
- Date: Wednesday, February 21
- Location: Pathum Thani
- Details:
- Authorities intercepted two trucks transporting 2.46 tonnes of crystal meth from the North.
- Three suspects were arrested, including one Myanmar national.
Ongoing Nationwide Crackdown
Since October, Provincial Police Region 1 has launched an aggressive anti-drug campaign, leading to:
- 9,797 arrests in 9,727 cases
- 35.1 million meth pills seized
- 2.87 tonnes of crystal meth confiscated
- 36kg of ketamine intercepted
- 273,349 ecstasy pills recovered
Authorities continue to strengthen border security and crack down on major drug networks, reaffirming their commitment to combating Thailand’s ongoing narcotics crisis.
