18-3-2024 (BANGKOK) Thai police in Thailand’s Region 1 successfully apprehended two suspects involved in a major drug trafficking operation. The arrests took place on March 17 and resulted in the seizure of an estimated 10 million methamphetamine pills, with a market value of around 300 million baht.
The meticulous investigation leading to the arrests began with a significant drug bust in Pathum Thani province. This breakthrough ultimately led the authorities to the two individuals responsible for smuggling the illicit drugs. The suspects, identified as 33-year-old Wasan and 30-year-old Yospol, were transporting the narcotics from the northern region to central Thailand.
The arrest of the two individuals was made possible through a well-coordinated effort between the police’s anti-drug task force and military intelligence from the Special Operation Unit. The operation exposed the lengths to which drug syndicates will go to conceal their contraband. The 10 million methamphetamine pills were ingeniously hidden within the drum of a cement truck, underscoring the sophisticated methods employed by these criminal networks.
During the operation, in addition to seizing the drugs, the police also confiscated the vehicles used in the illicit activity—a white Hino cement truck and a white Honda Jazz car. Furthermore, a 9mm handgun loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition was discovered. Wasan, one of the arrested individuals, confessed to driving the drugs from Phayao province to a recipient in Saraburi province, for which he was promised a payment of 300,000 baht. Yospol, his accomplice, was set to receive a fee of 10,000 baht.
The charges brought against the suspects include possession of a Type 1 narcotic (methamphetamine) with the intent to sell, as well as unauthorized possession and carrying of a firearm in a public place. The successful apprehension of these individuals deals a significant blow to the drug trade in the region, effectively preventing a large quantity of narcotics from reaching the streets.
