Joint Drug Enforcement Task Force Intercepts Major Methamphetamine Smuggling Operation Across Mekong River in Tha Uthen District, Seizes 500 Kilograms of Ice
Security forces in Nakhon Phanom Province seized 500 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine during an operation at the Mekong River in Tha Uthen District, with two suspects escaping to Laos before arrest.
Security forces under the Northeast Border Drug Suppression and Control Command, operating through Nakhon Phanom Province's Drug Control Center and Tha Uthen District's Operation Center in coordination with local volunteer territorial defense units, successfully intercepted a drug trafficking network crossing the Mekong River. Officers seized a large shipment of crystal methamphetamine (ice) weighing approximately 500 kilograms across 12 sacks with substantial market value. Two suspects quickly fled back to Laos by boat when officers revealed themselves for inspection.
The operation occurred on the evening of April 24 after authorities received intelligence about an illegal drug shipment being transported across the Mekong River near Tha Uthen village. Officers established surveillance patrols and detected a suspicious boat arriving from across the border with two individuals, who were placing sacks on the riverbank stairs. When confronted, the suspects immediately escaped by boat to Laos.
All confiscated drugs were transported to Tha Uthen District office for detailed inventory before being handed to Tha Uthen Police Station for legal proceedings. Authorities are pursuing the fleeing suspects. This incident reflects ongoing drug trafficking networks' continued use of the Mekong River border as a smuggling corridor, prompting officials to intensify patrol and interception operations in the area.
