Police Seize 51 Million Baht Ice, Arrest Suspect in Saraburi
Police in Saraburi seized more than 175 kilograms of methamphetamine ice worth about 51 million baht and arrested a 43‑year‑old man who helped hide the drugs. Two associates fled the scene after officers discovered the shipment in a modified pickup truck’s secret compartment. Authorities are expanding the investigation to capture the remaining gang members.
On October 7 at 4:00 a.m., police from the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Narcotics Suppression Division arrested 43‑year‑old Monthree at a house in Moo 1, Nong Buoa subdistrict, Ban Mo district, Saraburi province. Officers seized 171.5 kilograms of ice hidden in a secret compartment of a modified Isuzu pickup truck, along with additional evidence bringing the total seized in the case to over 175.5 kilograms worth about 51 million baht. The truck, a Toyota Revo with license plate 2ThorNor 5658 Bangkok, also contained a black bag of ice, mobile phones, identity documents and tools used to operate the hidden compartment.
According to police, the operation followed a tip that a teenage gang was transporting drugs from the border using altered pickup trucks with secret compartments. Surveillance showed the truck entering the house at around 1:00 a.m.; three men were seen unloading ice before fleeing when officers identified themselves. Monthree was apprehended hiding beside a fence, while two associates escaped into the dark woods.
Monthree confessed that he had known the main suspect, Nonthee (nicknamed Noi), for more than twenty years. On October 6, Nonthee asked him to park the pickup at his home and help unload the drugs from the secret compartment in exchange for payment. He said his role was to open the gate and assist with the transfer before being caught.
He has been charged with possession of methamphetamine (ice) with intent to sell, a Category 1 narcotics offense, and remains in custody as police continue to pursue the remaining suspects.
