Phrae: More than 6 million methamphetamine pills and 25 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine were seized by police at the Huai Rai checkpoint, as a young man from Chiang Mai was intercepted while attempting to smuggle the drugs. Police from a drug interdiction operation in Den Chai District, Phrae Province, apprehended Mr. Chanon, 41, from Chiang Mai Province during a routine check at the checkpoint. The suspect’s suspicious behavior prompted officers to conduct a thorough search of his vehicle.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chanon confessed during initial questioning to being hired to transport rice bran from Wiang Pa Pao District, Chiang Rai Province, to Phitsanulok Province, with the delivery point to be disclosed later by his employer. He was promised a payment of 20,000 baht for the task. The pickup truck he was driving had its bed completely covered with a tarp. Upon inspection using an X-ray machine, authorities discovered methamphetamine pills concealed under rice bran sacks, totaling more than 6,498,000 pills, along with 25 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine packed in tea bags.
The investigation led to the discovery of a lead vehicle, a white sedan, driven by 26-year-old Ms. Sudaporn from Phetchabun, with 33-year-old Ms. Mayuree from Chiang Mai as a passenger. Both individuals initially denied any connection to Mr. Chanon. However, officials found that Ms. Sudaporn had been communicating with a Chinese-language account on the LINE app, which was also used by Mr. Chanon. This connection led authorities to believe that the two vehicles were linked, with the sedan acting as a lead vehicle for the drug-carrying pickup truck. Consequently, both women were taken into custody for further questioning.
The three individuals were charged with jointly distributing Category 1 narcotics, specifically methamphetamine or ice, with the intent to distribute. This act is considered commercial and poses significant risks to public safety and national security. Authorities continue to investigate the extent of the smuggling operation and any additional connections the suspects may have.