RTP seize 36 million meth pills in major drug bust

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) announced a major crackdown on drug trafficking networks, where a series of drug busts resulted in the arrest of 21 suspects and the seizure of 36 million methamphetamine pills and 911 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine.

Assistant Commissioner-General, Police Lieutenant General Samran Nuanma, alongside officers from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, presented the results of the operation targeting 100 drug trafficking networks. The operation, conducted between May 31 and June 11, led to the successful apprehension of key suspects and the confiscation of substantial quantities of illegal drugs.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Samran highlighted that the operation encompassed ten separate drug bust cases, resulting in the arrest of 21 individuals and the seizure of 36 million methamphetamine pills and 911 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine.

Breaking down the figures, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau Division 3 handled seven cases, arresting 13 individuals and seizing 27,080,000 methamphetamine pills, 305 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, and 5.16 kilogrammes of heroin.

In one case, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau’s Special Operation Division arrested one suspect, confiscating 8 million methamphetamine pills. Another case managed by the Narcotics Suppression Bureau Division 2 saw five suspects apprehended with the seizure of 1 million methamphetamine pills.

Police Major General Keerisak stated that over the past eight months, the number of arrests has nearly doubled compared to the previous year.

The next phase of their strategy involves targeting smaller drug dealers within communities nationwide and identifying hidden accomplices who might facilitate the emergence of new dealers. He emphasised that all ten cases involved drugs smuggled from foreign countries.

Moving forward, the RTP plans to maintain strict border controls to prevent drug smuggling. Pol. Maj. Gen. Keerisak warned that any drugs that manage to get through will be swiftly intercepted.

He also cautioned financiers and couriers involved in drug trafficking that the police would relentlessly pursue them and reminded them that such crimes could result in the death penalty.

One notable case involved officers from Division 2 of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau intercepting a drug trafficking group at the Wang Din checkpoint in Lamphun province.

The officers arrested two suspects and seized 12 million methamphetamine pills concealed in 60 boxes disguised as honeycomb packaging. The suspects and the seized drugs were handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings, reported KhaoSod.