Mukdahan musicians hit the high note in methamphetamine bust

Two musicians from Mukdahan were arrested for transporting 140,000 methamphetamine tablets. They admitted to doing this twice due to unemployment and the poor economy, receiving 20,000 baht each time.

Police officers set up a checkpoint to intercept illegal goods on the ring road around Ubon Ratchathani city yesterday, August 25. Deputy Traffic Inspector Natthanon Seefah and Traffic Inspector Thirasak Chaiphan led the operation near a local shopping mall.

A black Mitsubishi pickup truck, registration number KK 8701 from Ubon Ratchathani, approached the checkpoint. The two men inside exhibited suspicious behaviour, prompting the officers to search. In the back seat, they discovered a fertiliser sack containing 140,000 methamphetamine tablets.

The driver was identified as 31 year old, Piyawut and his passenger as 41 year old, Kriangsak. Both men are residents of Baan Pawai, Bang Sai Yai subdistrict, Mueang district, Mukdahan province.

During the interrogation, the suspects confessed to picking up the methamphetamine from Baan Pon Mueang, Lao Suea Kok district, Ubon Ratchathani province. They were on their way to deliver the drugs to various kilometre markers in Warin Chamrap district when they were intercepted by the police.

They admitted to receiving 20,000 baht for each delivery and had already completed two such deliveries. Both men are musicians by profession but turned to drug trafficking due to unemployment and poor economic conditions.

Legal proceedings

Police charged the suspects with possession of a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine) with intent to distribute, contributing to the spread of drugs in the community. They are currently in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.

“We were just trying to make ends meet,” one of the suspects reportedly said during the interrogation, highlighting the dire economic circumstances that led them to this illegal activity.

The checkpoint operation was part of a broader initiative to combat drug trafficking in the region, which has seen a rise in such activities. The police have increased their efforts to intercept illegal drugs and substances, setting up checkpoints and conducting random searches to deter traffickers, said a police spokesperson.

“The economic downturn has left many people desperate, and unfortunately, some turn to crime as a means to survive.”

The checkpoint operation was part of a broader initiative to combat drug trafficking in the region, which has seen a rise in such activities. The police have increased their efforts to intercept illegal drugs and substances, setting up checkpoints and conducting random searches to deter traffickers. reported Khaosod.