Udon thani: Police from Ban Dung Police Station in Udon Thani Province have successfully raided an international drug trafficking gang, seizing crystal methamphetamine valued at over 200 million baht. Two suspects were apprehended during the operation, which uncovered 448 kilograms of the drug. Authorities are now in the process of obtaining an arrest warrant for the gang’s leader.

According to Thai News Agency, officers from Ban Dung Police Station and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) conducted the raid, capturing Mr. Chainarong, also known as F, a 27-year-old major player in the international drug network. He was arrested at his residence. Alongside him, Mr. Kantapong, or Thiw, aged 20, was also detained for questioning and further legal actions. The operation resulted in the seizure of 448 packages of crystal methamphetamine, each weighing 1 kilogram, with a total value of approximately 224 million baht. A vehicle was also confiscated during the apprehension.

The breakthrough came after a report of a car accident on the night of September 20th at around 10 p.m. in Ban Lao Udom, Ban Chan Subdistrict. Upon reaching the scene, police discovered a significant stash of crystal methamphetamine, although the driver had fled. This led to a thorough investigation culminating in the arrest of the two suspects.

Pol. Col. Anusak Sakdawacharanon, Deputy Commander of Udon Thani Provincial Police, disclosed that the drug smuggling network functions as a coordinated team. The operation’s mastermind, identified as Mr. Joe, remains at large. It is believed that he communicates with couriers by intermittently sending them coordinates. The drugs were reportedly transported from the Bueng Kan Province border, but their final destination remains unclear. Authorities suspect Mr. Joe might have crossed into a neighboring country to evade capture, and efforts are underway to secure an arrest warrant.