Kalasin: Border Patrol Police Region 2 executed a significant operation resulting in the seizure of 500 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, further unveiling an extensive network responsible for smuggling the drug from Bueng Kan to Pathum Thani.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Maj. Gen. Wuttipong Yenchit, Commander of Border Patrol Police Region 2, announced the breakthrough at a press conference. The successful operation involved a collaborative effort between Border Patrol Police Region 2, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), the Surasakmontri Task Force, and other agencies. Officers intercepted a vehicle in Tha Khan Tho District, Kalasin Province, leading to the seizure of methamphetamine valued at over 60 million baht and the arrest of one suspect.
The operation stemmed from an investigation into a prior case on May 6, 2026, where authorities apprehended a suspect and confiscated 316 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine in Mueang Khon Kaen District, Khon Kaen Province. Further inquiries exposed the continuous smuggling operations from Bueng Kan Province into central Thailand.
Authorities, acting on information from an informant, monitored a white Chevrolet Captiva believed to be transporting drugs via the Si That-Kranuan route. On June 8, 2026, officers spotted the vehicle on the Kranuan-Kung Kao road in Tha Khan Tho district, Kalasin province. Upon attempting an inspection, the driver attempted to flee, prompting officers to utilize tactical stopping equipment to halt the vehicle.
The vehicle veered off the road on Highway 2009, where authorities took control and discovered methamphetamine concealed in 10 black bags, weighing approximately 500 kilograms. The suspect, Mr. Awut, 40, from Chana District, Songkhla Province, was arrested at the scene.
During interrogation, Mr. Awut confessed to being hired by a Thai man residing in Laos to transport the drugs from Muang Bueng Kan District to customers in Pathum Thani Province, receiving 500,000 baht per trip. He admitted to previously completing this task twice.
Authorities have charged the suspect with selling a Category 1 narcotic with intent to sell as a commercial act. Efforts are ongoing to dismantle the remaining elements of the trafficking network. The seizure is considered a substantial blow to the drug trade, averting potential threats to public and national security.