Police Investigate 30 Drug Packages Found at Khon Kaen Prison Construction Site
Police discovered 30 packages of drugs buried at a Khon Kaen prison construction site on August 17 when a backhoe uncovered them during soil preparation. Investigators are determining whether the drugs were deliberately planted or mixed int
At 11:00 on August 17, Prairat Khamintkul (director of Khon Kaen Central Prison), Police Lieutenant Colonel Yosawat Kaewsubthanynich (deputy superintendent of Muang Khon Kaen Police Station), Decha Sophajit (district administrator of Muang Khon Kaen), and Arthapol Thiphdara (assistant district administrator for security) led investigators from Muang Khon Kaen Police Station, the Region 4 Forensic Center, prison staff, and local administrative officials to examine the discovery site within the construction area for a new staff dormitory building located south of the prison. Construction workers notified authorities after a backhoe uncovered 30 opaque plastic bags—24 blue and 6 pink—buried underground while preparing the land.
Police have cordoned off the discovery zone and surrounding areas, including the fence perimeter where the initial bags were found and a spot approximately 50 meters away where the backhoe dragged additional packages. Investigators questioned construction workers, the equipment operator, prison guards on duty, and project supervisors.
Deputy Superintendent Yosawat stated that the site lies near the construction perimeter, roughly 10 meters from the prison's inmate detention wall. The area was previously overgrown and littered; the backhoe was leveling and compacting soil when the drugs were discovered. "We must verify whether these drugs are old or new stock, accelerate witness interviews, and review CCTV footage," he said. "The location sits opposite a prison camera, but the angle points away from the site. Two main theories are emerging: either criminal groups deliberately planted the drugs for some purpose, or they became mixed with fill soil brought to this area. Further forensic and investigative procedures will determine which." Prison Director Prairat confirmed that the private contractor has been coordinating with authorities since the prison handed over the construction area in February; work began in July on a four-story dormitory with 32 rooms. The construction zone is now completely sealed off to prevent contact between workers and inmates performing community service, with strict controls on all personnel entry and exit. Surveillance patrols monitor the perimeter around the clock from guard towers, and the prison conducts intensive weekly searches coupled with random urine tests for drug use.
