Police seize over one million methamphetamine pills in Sakon Nakhon

Police in Sakon Nakhon Province seized over one million methamphetamine pills, thanks to a tip-off from locals. The seizure took place yesterday, August 21, at the Border Patrol Police Division 23 headquarters, where officials reported the details of the operation.

On the previous day, Border Patrol Police Companies 235 and 236 received intelligence about a drug trafficking operation. The traffickers were reportedly planning to transport drugs from the banks of the Mekong River in Ban Phaeng district, Nakhon Phanom province, to inner areas. Surveillance was set up, but the suspects became aware and abandoned the drugs, fleeing the scene.

Later, residents informed police about suspicious items found in five black bags left in a grassy area along the road between Ban Na Ngam and Ban Na Yor Noy in Renunakorn district, Nakhon Phanom province. The authorities, including the Nakhon Phanom Narcotics Suppression Unit, Surasak Montri Military Force, Renunakorn Police Station, and other local security agencies, coordinated to investigate.

Surveillance was conducted from 4pm until 6am yesterday but no one came to retrieve the items. Consequently, the police seized the bags and called in forensic experts to examine the contents. The initial inspection confirmed that the bags contained over one million methamphetamine pills, classified as a Category 1 narcotic. The evidence was then handed over to Renunakorn Police Station for legal proceedings.

Wutthaya Singking, Commander of Border Patrol Police Division 23, highlighted the government’s urgent anti-drug policy, led by the Royal Thai Police and the Surasak Montri Force. The campaign, overseen by Police Lieutenant General Yongkiat Monpraneet, targets drug trafficking and other crimes along the border.

The operation, named Mekong River Protection, involves the Border Patrol Police Division 2, under the command of Police Major General Kittisak Plathong. Wutthaya noted that the success of this operation was significantly aided by local community cooperation, emphasising the importance of community relations in combating drug trafficking in the region, reported KhaoSod.

The involvement of the public has been increasingly crucial in these operations. The police expressed gratitude to the residents for their vigilance and encouraged ongoing cooperation. Providing tips about illegal activities helps law enforcement apprehend offenders and maintain safety in the community.