Police Arrest 3 Suspects in Drug Trafficking Network, Seize 300 kg of Crystal Methamphetamine Hidden in Modified Van Roof

On April 29, 2026, the 191 Drug Suppression and Special Operation Center, led by Deputy Police Commissioner General Samran Nuanma along with senior law enforcement and military intelligence officials, announced the arrest of three drug trafficking suspects: 41-year-old Peerapat, 57-year-old Pracha, and 44-year-old Anna. Officers seized 300 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, a gray Toyota van with hidden compartments in the roof, and four mobile phones valued at approximately 32 million baht. The arrests were made in Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom Province.

Deputy Police Commissioner General Samran explained that officers from Unit 191 and Army intelligence discovered the suspects were smuggling drugs into the country using modified vehicles. On April 27, a gray Toyota van was tracked traveling from Nong Khai Province toward Bangkok using routes to avoid checkpoints. At approximately 11 p.m., officers searched the vehicle in Sam Phran District and discovered 300 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine concealed within a specially modified roof compartment.

Investigations revealed the network was linked to border-area criminal groups smuggling drugs through Mae Sot District and distributing them to Bangkok and surrounding areas. The suspects initially confessed to one previous drug smuggling operation, with this being their second or third attempt. They used northeastern routes to avoid detection in northern Thailand corridors.

Deputy Police Commissioner General Samran stated that authorities will increase enforcement efforts in northern and northeastern regions by setting up checkpoints along major routes leading to Bangkok, working with all relevant agencies. The public is urged to report any drug-related information to the national police emergency hotline 191 available 24 hours, including reports of any state officials involved in drug trafficking.