Loei: A manhunt for a drug trafficking ring resulted in the seizure of 600,000 methamphetamine pills by the Surasakmontri Task Force, Naval Base 24. The suspects abandoned their vehicle and the drugs, fleeing into the dark forest.
According to Thai News Agency, on January 4, 2026, the Surasakmontri Task Force, specifically the Northeastern Border Narcotics Suppression and Precursor Chemical Interdiction Command (NB.YS.24), under the command of the 3rd Control Unit (R.8) and the 2nd Army Area Command, in conjunction with the 2109th and 2102nd Special Forces Ranger Companies and the Pak Chom Police Station, conducted an operation to intercept a narcotics trafficking operation in the border area. They seized approximately 600,000 methamphetamine pills.
Prior to the operation, the unit received information from a source that narcotics would be smuggled through Pak Chom District, Loei Province. Therefore, they deployed forces and planned surveillance along the suspected route. At approximately 3:00 AM, officers spotted a black Isuzu D-Max pickup truck, matching the description of the target, driving through the monitored area.
When officers identified themselves, the suspect sped away, heading towards an unmarked hut in Ban Non Suang Mai, Village No. 15, Ban Yawk Subdistrict, Nam Som District, Udon Thani Province. He then abandoned three black sacks in a nearby sugarcane field and fled into the forest under the cover of darkness. Officers were unable to apprehend him.
Upon inspecting the sacks, approximately 600,000 methamphetamine pills (category 1 narcotics) were found. An Isuzu D-Max pickup truck, black in color, was also seized as evidence. The perpetrators have not yet been located.
Initially, officers recorded photographic and video evidence before handing over all confiscated items to Pak Chom Police Station for detailed investigation and to further investigate and prosecute those involved according to the law.