Police Seize One Ton of Crystal Meth Bound for Bangkok

The Metropolitan Police Bureau announced on August 10 the arrest of four suspects—Charuwanna (44), Chai (48), Jaroen (36), and Bunyong (41)—along with the seizure of crystal methamphetamine packed in 40 colorful sacks weighing a total of 1,000 kilograms. Two gray Isuzu D-Max pickup trucks with red-plate registrations from Phrae Province were also impounded during the operation.

According to Police Lieutenant General Sayam Boonserm, the investigation stemmed from earlier drug busts on March 8 and July 26, when authorities arrested traffickers from the same network. Through follow-up leads, investigators identified a major drug trafficking operation smuggling crystal meth from northern Thailand for distribution in Bangkok and its suburbs. The suspects were intercepted at 4 p.m. on August 8 at a gas station on the Nakhon Sawan–Chainat Road in Manao District, Chainat Province, while transporting the drugs into Bangkok. One vehicle was carrying cabbage as cover, with the methamphetamine hidden beneath the produce.

Investigators learned the network sourced drugs from Chiang Khao District, Phayao Province, through natural border routes. The smugglers were paid 2 million baht per shipment with a 90,000-baht deposit, with the promise of an additional 1 million baht upon successful delivery. All four suspects confessed during questioning. They face charges of drug trafficking in Category 1 (methamphetamine), possession with intent to distribute without authorization, commercial drug sales, and endangering national security and public safety. The case has been handed to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau for further prosecution.