Bangkok: The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has announced a major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against drug trafficking with the seizure of 1.3 million methamphetamine pills and the confiscation of assets worth over 2.5 million baht. A bounty of 1 million baht has been set for the arrest of ‘Techin’, the mastermind behind the illicit drug network.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat Lakboon, Secretary-General of the ONCB, alongside Mr. Prin Mekhanan, Director of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, and other key officials, unveiled details of the latest operation. This marks the third wave of the initiative aimed at dismantling the drug network led by Mr. Techin Nowong. The operation resulted in the apprehension of four suspects, the seizure of the methamphetamine pills, and the confiscation of assets.
The ONCB Secretary-General stated that this success is part of a broader strategy to disrupt drug networks originating in Myanmar, controlled by groups in the Wa region. The operation also targets local dealers and expands efforts to intercept smuggling routes. Plans are underway to visit Myanmar to coordinate the seizure of assets belonging to individuals involved in drug trafficking, valued at over a billion baht.
The Secretary-General emphasized the importance of capturing key figures like Mr. Techin, who is believed to be orchestrating drug smuggling operations from neighboring countries like Laos and Myanmar. Arresting such high-level operatives is crucial to halting the drug trade. The ONCB has already submitted lists of drug suspects to neighboring countries to facilitate cooperative efforts in apprehending these individuals.
Mr. Prin Mekhanan highlighted that the latest operation follows a series of successful crackdowns on drug networks. Previous efforts led to the seizure of 80 million baht in assets and large quantities of drugs, including heroin and ice (crystal meth). The ongoing investigation aims to track and disrupt supply routes from northern borders into Thailand’s interior.
The ONCB is committed to intensifying its efforts in collaboration with partner agencies to dismantle drug trafficking networks and improve measures for asset seizure. The operation against Mr. Techin’s network will continue, as it is believed that he remains active in smuggling drugs into Thailand to meet international demand.