Bueng kan: A tense pursuit unfolded as authorities intercepted a methamphetamine smuggling operation at the Bueng Kan border. Officers arrested a man from Saraburi in a rubber plantation, seizing a significant amount of crystal methamphetamine valued at hundreds of millions of baht. Meanwhile, one suspect managed to flee under the cover of darkness.
According to Thai News Agency, the Northeastern Border Narcotics Suppression and Precursor Chemical Command, under the direction of the 2nd Army Area Command, coordinated with various units including the Surasakmontri Task Force's Upper Interdiction Unit and the 2nd Control Command (R.13). The collaborative effort, which also involved the 4th Intelligence Unit of the Surasakmontri Task Force and the Investigation Unit 1 of the Provincial Police Region 4 Investigation Bureau, aimed to thwart a major narcotics trafficking operation in Bueng Kan Province.
Authorities received a tip-off on the night of May 8th about an impending drug smuggling event near Ban Khai Si, Moo 6, Khai Si Subdistrict, Mueang Bueng Kan District. The operation involved a black Isuzu D-Max pickup truck with license plate GW 9026 Nakhon Pathom. In response, officers deployed patrols to monitor suspected routes closely.
Around midnight, the suspect vehicle was spotted entering the target area and proceeding into a rubber plantation. When officers identified themselves and attempted a search, the driver sped away, prompting a chase. The pursuit through the plantation resulted in the arrest of one suspect, while another escaped in the darkness.
A search of the vehicle revealed eight sacks of fertilizer wrapped in black plastic bags, which concealed approximately 238 kilograms of methamphetamine (ice), classified as a Category 1 narcotic. The arrested suspect, Ekkarach Luedara, or "Parm," 29, from Saraburi Province, was taken into custody along with the seized items, including the methamphetamine and the pickup truck. He was subsequently transported to Ho Kham Police Station for legal processing. Efforts continue to apprehend the escaped accomplice and dismantle the broader drug trafficking network.
News reports highlight this arrest as a significant success for the 2nd Army Region and security agencies, furthering their campaign to intercept narcotics at the northeastern border and prevent their distribution within the country.