Police seize 250kg of crystal meth worth 100 million baht

Police in Surat Thani arrested four individuals and seized 250 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine hidden in a container truck during a routine search in Tha Chang district.

The drugs, intended for export, were concealed in fertiliser sacks beneath baskets of fruit and had an estimated street value of 100 million baht (US$3 million).

Highway officers searched 4pm on September 6 after receiving a tip-off from drug suppression units. The 28 year old driver of the six-wheel truck, Suwan Buasri, was detained in tambon Khlong Sai.

Suwan revealed that a Toyota car, carrying three accomplices, was guiding him along the route. Police promptly intercepted the car and apprehended the occupants: 23 year old Theeraphat Thammachot, 66 year old Suraphon Iem-aksorn, and his wife, 58 year old Sujira Iam-aksorn, reported Bangkok Post.

Suwan confessed to transporting the drugs from Chiang Rai in the north, with plans to deliver them to Songkhla province in the south. From Songkhla, the methamphetamine was slated for international distribution.

“All four suspects have been charged with colluding to possess illicit drugs,” confirmed a police spokesperson.

In related news, Thai Customs officials intercepted shipments containing illegal drugs concealed within everyday items destined for Australia and Germany, with a combined estimated value of over 14.74 million baht.

Customs Advisor Phanthong Loikulnunt, acting as spokesperson for the Customs Department, announced the seizure. The first incident occurred when officials at Suvarnabhumi International Airport’s customs office scrutinised an express cargo shipment marked for Australia.

This shipment, with the label ENCLOSURE and weighing 21 kilogrammes, raised suspicions. Upon examination, the package was found to contain a digital ultrasonic cleaner. X-ray images and physical inspection revealed hidden contents, leading to a detailed search by the Investigation and Suppression Bureau and the AITF operation team.

Inside the ultrasonic cleaner, officials discovered six foil-wrapped packets disguised as green tea bags. Upon further inspection, they found these packets contained crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as Ice, with a total weight, including packaging, of approximately 5.6 kilogrammes.