Songkhla: The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has successfully intercepted a significant drug trafficking operation, seizing 294 kg of crystal methamphetamine concealed in a ten-wheeled truck. Assets worth approximately 2,000,000 baht were also confiscated during the operation.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Panurat Lakboon, Secretary-General of the ONCB, led the operation in collaboration with the Security Center of the Royal Thai Army Headquarters, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau of the 4th Border Patrol Police Region, the Highway Police Division, and the Rattaphum Police Station. The arrest of Mr. Sataporn, the truck driver, was made on charges of distributing Category 1 narcotics without permission, which is considered a threat to national security. The authorities acted on a tip-off and tracked the ten-wheel truck to a gas station in Khuha Tai Subdistrict, Rattaphum District, Songkhla Province.
The investigation revealed that the truck was part of a larger drug trafficking operation transporting narcotics from the central region to the southern region of Thailand. On August 11, 2025, officials identified the suspicious vehicle in Tha Miram Subdistrict, Mueang Phatthalung District, Phatthalung Province. Following the trail, the ONCB coordinated with various agencies to monitor and intercept the truck. On August 12, 2025, at approximately 10:00 PM, the truck was located and searched, leading to the discovery of 294 kg of crystal methamphetamine hidden in 12 sacks inside the vehicle.
The operation did not end with the seizure of drugs. Authorities extended their search to two additional locations in Phatthalung and Nakhon Si Thammarat provinces. This led to the confiscation of further assets, including the ten-wheel truck, gold jewelry, and bank accounts, all totaling approximately 2,000,000 baht.
The ONCB plans to work closely with concerned agencies to dismantle the drug trafficking network. The focus will be on gathering evidence and prosecuting all individuals involved, including those financing the operation. The ONCB aims to disrupt the drug trade by tracing and seizing assets linked to the operation, thereby cutting off drug trafficking systematically.