Police Seize 900kg Ice Haul Worth 270 Million Baht
Police arrested a Lopburi man and seized 900 kilograms of methamphetamine worth 270 million baht hidden in a minibus, disrupting a major trafficking network distributing drugs across central Thailand and the southern region.
At 5 p.m. on September 22, 2025, at Metropolitan Police Bureau headquarters, senior police officials including Deputy Inspector-General Samran Nuanmaa, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Siam Bunyasom, and other ranking officers announced the arrest of Somkit, 41, from Lopburi province. He faces charges of trafficking in category-one narcotics (crystal methamphetamine or ice) without authorization for commercial purposes, causing public distribution and endangering national security and public safety.
Police seized 900 kilograms of ice hidden in 18 burlap sacks wrapped with black tape, valued at 270 million baht, along with a bronze Toyota minibus, computer equipment, and a mobile phone.
Deputy Inspector-General Samran revealed the operation followed an earlier bust on September 13 in Lopburi province that yielded 300 kilograms of ice. Intelligence indicated a trafficking network operating from Lopburi was distributing drugs across central Thailand, Bangkok, and surrounding provinces using Toyota and Volkswagen Caravelle minibuses to transport large quantities from northeastern Thailand. The drugs were stored at an unmarked residential address in Muang Lopburi district. Officers established a perimeter and at 9 p.m. on September 21, spotted Somkit driving the minibus into an alley to deliver the narcotics to the storage location. Upon search, police discovered the ice in 18 burlap sacks, totaling 900 kilograms.
Under interrogation, Somkit confessed to transporting ice for storage before distribution to customers. He stated he received orders from an individual known only as "Doctor" and earned 10,000 baht per delivery, having completed two shipments using this vehicle. He was transferred to police for legal proceedings.
Deputy Inspector-General Samran noted that investigation revealed additional gang members escaped with goods awaiting collection. The arrest effectively blocked a major drug shipment destined for the southern region. Police have coordinated with Region 9 Police headquarters to intercept any remaining shipments. The Metropolitan Police Bureau continues anti-narcotics operations, targeting low-level dealers and steering users toward rehabilitation. Authorities urged the public to report suspicious information via hotlines 191 and 1599.
