Nong Khai: The 2nd Army, under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Boonsin Phadklang, has successfully intercepted a massive drug shipment attempting to enter Thailand. Acting as the Commander of the 24th Infantry Regiment, Phadklang coordinated the arrest of a suspect involved in smuggling over 5 million methamphetamine pills, in alignment with the "Seal Stop Safe" policy.
According to Thai News Agency, the operation was part of the 2nd Army's ongoing efforts, alongside the Narcotics Suppression and Precursor Command and Chemicals 24 (NSOC 24), to prevent narcotics from crossing into Thailand. This initiative is a response to an urgent government directive to address the drug crisis. The Surasakmontri Task Force and several other units were alerted to a suspicious vehicle in Pak Chom District, Loei Province, which was observed moving towards Sangkhom District, Nong Khai Province.
Authorities eventually identified a bronze Mitsubishi pickup truck at a PT gas station in Ban Muang Subdistrict. Upon intervention, the suspect attempted to flee but lost control of the vehicle near Ban Tad Saem, where officers discovered 13 black sacks filled with methamphetamine.
The driver, Thao Wanpeng Wongpetkaew, a 25-year-old from Lao PDR, was apprehended. The vehicle contained approximately 5,480,000 methamphetamine pills. Initial investigations revealed intentions to distribute the drugs within Thailand. The suspect and evidence were handed over to the Nangiew Police Station for further legal proceedings.