Bangkok: In a significant bust, Bangkok police apprehended members of a drug trafficking ring, seizing 1.7 tons of crystal methamphetamine and 50 kilograms of ketamine, with a street value exceeding 200 million baht. The drugs, concealed within a modified asphalt truck, were intercepted as part of a larger operation intended to distribute narcotics from Chiang Rai to a warehouse in Saraburi province for further distribution to smaller dealers.
According to Thai News Agency, the operation was executed by the Child and Women Welfare Division (CWWD) on May 29th in the Don Thong Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phitsanulok Province. Law enforcement had been tipped off regarding a major drug network's plan to transport narcotics from the North to Bangkok and its surrounding areas. Using surveillance, authorities tracked the movement of the modified asphalt truck, which was escorted by another vehicle to facilitate the route. Upon interception and search, the drugs were found concealed in the truck's liquid compartments. Three suspects were arrested and will face prosecution.
Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, Commander of the Bangkok Metropolitan Police, identified the suspects as Mr. Witthaya, the truck driver, aged 30; Mr. Pongsak, the truck owner, aged 45; and Mr. Anucha, the driver of the escort vehicle, aged 38. The seized items included the 1,687 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, 50 kilograms of ketamine, one asphalt tanker trailer, one car, and several mobile phones, collectively valued at over 210 million baht.
This operation is linked to a prior arrest on May 18th in Samut Prakan province, where four suspects were detained and 100,000 methamphetamine pills seized. Investigations revealed the suspects were part of a network receiving directives from a foreign-based leader to move drugs from Chiang Rai to Saraburi for local distribution.
The drug ring, led by Mr. Pongsak, reportedly turned to trafficking due to economic hardship. The network, comprising about 10 individuals, orchestrated shipments using a lead truck and a convoy of vehicles, though three vehicles managed to evade capture. This method has been in use since December 2015, with the network earning 2 million baht per operation. Authorities are continuing investigations to dismantle and expand on the network's reach.
The suspects face charges for jointly selling Category 1 narcotics (ice) and Category 2 psychoactive substances (ketamine).