Yaba-dabba do! Cops seize 100 kilos of crystal meth at Thai border

Police uncovered a substantial smuggling operation near the Thai-Malaysian border, seizing 100 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine hidden in a tour van’s roof compartment in Songkhla province.

Law enforcement arrested the van’s driver and two additional suspects involved in the operation. Officers from the Southern Border Provinces Investigation Division sub-division 2 and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board’s Region 9 had been monitoring the vehicle as it travelled south. They intercepted the van at the Khuan Meed security checkpoint in Tambon Khuan Meed, Chana district.

Upon searching the van, officers discovered the 100 kilogrammes of crystal meth concealed in a secret compartment in the roof. The 30 year old driver was taken into custody. His identity has not been disclosed.

During interrogation, the driver reportedly confessed to transporting the drugs from Bangkok to agents of a drug network in Sungai Kolok, Narathiwat.

Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of two more suspects. One, a 51 year old man, was apprehended in Mueang district, Narathiwat while driving another van equipped with a hidden compartment. The second van was allegedly intended to receive the drugs from the first vehicle.

The 38 year old third suspect was detained in Sungai Kolok district. Details regarding his arrest remain limited.

Police estimate the seized crystal meth to be valued at approximately 20 million baht (US$592,655), with its worth potentially doubling or tripling in Malaysia.

In addition to the drugs, police also seized the suspects’ assets for further investigation. The confiscated items included seven vehicles, six parcels of land, 40,000 baht (US$1,185) in cash, 12,230 ringgit (US$2,810), and two pistols, reported Bangkok Post.

The suspects face charges of collusion in possession of illicit drugs with intent to sell, among other related offences. All three remain in custody as legal proceedings continue.

In related news, The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) arrested a Thai woman on August 27 at a coffee shop in Bangkok for smuggling drugs from Thailand to South Korea.