Major drug bust in Thailand seizes 2 tonnes of meth bound for Philippines and Australia

In a major drug bust, authorities last night apprehended 13 suspects and confiscated 2 tonnes of crystal methamphetamine from a large tugboat in Chachoengsao’s Bang Pakong district. The narcotics, believed to be headed for the Philippines and Australia, were discovered during a late-night search operation by marine and narcotics suppression police.

As law enforcement officers arrived, several individuals attempted to escape by jumping into the river. However, the police managed to capture all 13 culprits, all of whom were Thai nationals.

The narcotics were found stashed in 90 cardboard boxes, containing 2000 kilogrammes of crystal meth. To mask the odour, the drugs were concealed in bags of dried fruit within the cabins beneath the boat’s decks.

The commander of the Marine Police Division, Pharitphong, stated that the investigators had discovered that the smugglers intended to transfer the drugs to other vessels in international waters.

The Assistant National Police Chief, Samran Nuanma, and the Deputy Chief of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB), Somboon Thiankhao, inspected the seized drugs at the pier. The apprehended suspects and the confiscated narcotics have been handed over to NSB investigators for further legal action.

The investigation into the gang’s operations is still underway. The bust marks a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking, with the seized methamphetamine representing a substantial loss for the involved criminal organisation.

This operation underscores the ongoing commitment of Thai authorities to disrupt drug smuggling operations and ensure the safety and security of their communities.

In related news, a mammoth haul of over 14 million methamphetamine pills, destined for Thailand, was intercepted in Vientiane with five suspects taken into custody.

The monumental seizure was achieved during an operation carried out from November 28 to 30, conducted by the drug suppression police in Laos. Among those apprehended in the methamphetamine crackdown operation were four individuals from Laos and a Thai national. Read more about the story, HERE.