Bangkok: DSI and several agencies announced the results of a search of 5 locations in Bangkok and its vicinity, seizing over 1.8 million liters or 1,800 tons of precursors for drug production before exporting to neighboring countries.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Col. Yuthana Phraedam, Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation, along with Mr. Wirakit Hanpariphan, Director of the Institute of Forensic Science, representatives from the Excise Department, and other officials, revealed that the DSI led a coordinated effort to search five key locations. This operation resulted in the seizure of massive quantities of drug precursors in the Bangkok area and its surroundings.
The investigation traces back to September 19, 2014, when officers at the Huai Ya U checkpoint in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, intercepted two trucks carrying 80 gallons of controlled chemicals, weighing 12,800 kilograms or 12.8 tons. These chemicals are identified as precursors for narcotics production. Consequently, the Department of Industrial Works filed charges against the truck drivers for 'possession of a Category 3 hazardous substance without permission.'
Further investigation led authorities to discover that these trucks were loaded with goods from a warehouse in Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province, and Prawet District, Bangkok. These materials were acquired from a company in Bang Sao Thong District, Samut Prakan Province, destined for Tha Kham 28 in Chong Khaep Subdistrict, Phop Phra District, Tak Province, and ultimately to Myanmar, within the influence of the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA).
The first targeted location was a large factory in Bang Sao Thong District, Samut Prakan Province, where various chemicals, including toluene and acetone, were stored and packaged. The second location, a warehouse in Bang Phli, revealed significant quantities of methine chloride, ethyl acetate, acetone, and other hazardous substances. The third site, an office and warehouse in Prawet District, Bangkok, yielded acetone and suspicious chemicals, alongside crucial financial documents linked to illegal import-export activities. The remaining locations, houses and offices in Samut Prakan Province, contained accounting documents potentially connected to the offenses.
Mr. Sunthorn Kaewsawang, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works, emphasized that the investigation at all five sites is ongoing, with no ownership claims on the premises yet prosecuted. Legal proceedings will follow pending inspection results. Should involvement be confirmed, individuals face charges of producing or importing Type 3 hazardous substances without registration and possession without permission, carrying penalties of imprisonment or fines.