Chiang Rai:Police at the Pu Kaeng checkpoint arrested a married couple from Nong Khai for smuggling a large quantity of crystal methamphetamine using a hidden compartment in their truck.
According to Thai News Agency, the operation was conducted by officers from Phan Police Station under the leadership of Pol. Maj. Gen. Songkrit Ontakrai, Commander of Chiang Rai Provincial Police, along with other high-ranking officials. The couple, Mr. Worawut, 32, and Ms. Paphassara, 33, both from Nong Luang Subdistrict, Fao Rai District, were found with 350 kg of methamphetamine.
Authorities had received intelligence about drug smuggling operations from the border into the country's interior using trucks. As a result, the Pu Kaeng checkpoint was set up on Phaholyothin Road in Mae Yen Subdistrict. The target vehicle, a white Hino truck, was stopped and inspected, revealing a modified truck bed with a hidden compartment. Inside, officers found 350 green plastic tea bags, each containing approximately 1 kilogram of crystal meth.
Mr. Worawut admitted to having been hired by a hill tribe man in Mae Sai District to transport the drugs to Samut Prakan Province. This arrest marked his fourth attempt, with prior successful deliveries earning him 300,000 baht per trip. However, this time, he was caught before completing the delivery.
The suspects underwent urine drug tests at Phan Hospital, which came back negative. They were charged with possession and distribution of a Category 1 narcotic for commercial purposes. The police are continuing their investigation to dismantle the entire network involved.