Army Rangers Arrest Laotian Suspect with 249 kg of Crystal Meth Along the Mekong River
Army Rangers intercepted a speedboat crossing the Mekong River and arrested a Laotian suspect with 249 kilograms of methamphetamine near Bueng Kan Province on May 2.
May 3, 2025 – The Northeast Border Drug Suppression and Precursor Chemical Control Command reported that on May 2 at approximately 6 p.m., the Royal Thai Army Region 2 Command and the drug enforcement unit received intelligence about an illegal drug smuggling operation near Ban Phu Sawat in Nong Doen Subdistrict, Bung Khla District, Bueng Kan Province. Military forces coordinated with local enforcement units and set up surveillance positions along the Mekong River.
At approximately 8 p.m., officers spotted a speedboat crossing from Laos into Thai waters near the Mekong River. A group of individuals began unloading suspicious sacks onto the shore. When officers revealed themselves to conduct an inspection, the group quickly fled into the darkness. Officers gave chase and managed to detain one suspect.
Upon searching the area, authorities discovered eight sacks containing Class 1 methamphetamine (ice), totaling 249 kilograms, hidden at the scene.
The suspect was identified as Thao Dom Sasaengbong, 24 years old, from Bolikamxai Province, Laos. Officers transported the suspect and seized materials to Unit 2108 for detailed inventory before handing the case over to Bung Khla Police Station for legal proceedings.
Authorities believe the methamphetamine shipment is part of an international drug trafficking network using the Mekong River route to smuggle drugs into Thailand under cover of darkness. However, this operation successfully intercepted the drugs before they could be distributed inland.
