Chiang Rai:Police at the Pu Kaeng checkpoint apprehended a married couple from Nong Khai for smuggling 350 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine through a hidden compartment in their truck.
According to Thai News Agency, the operation was led by officers from Phan Police Station under the direction of Pol. Maj. Gen. Songkrit Ontakrai and was part of a strategy to intercept narcotics being smuggled from border areas into the country's interior. The couple, Mr. Worawut and Ms. Paphassara, both residents of Nong Luang Subdistrict, were caught after authorities received intelligence about the smuggling activities.
The arrest took place around 1000 AM on October 11, 2026. The checkpoint was set up on Phaholyothin Road, where officers stopped a white Hino truck loaded with bottled water. Upon inspection, they discovered a modified compartment under the truck bed, which concealed 350 kilograms of crystal meth packaged in green plastic tea bags.
Mr. Worawut admitted to being hired for drug transportation, having successfully completed three prior trips, earning 300,000 baht each time. This was his fourth attempt, intended to deliver the drugs to Samut Prakan Province, but he was intercepted by authorities before completing the delivery.
Both suspects tested negative for drug use and were charged with possession and sale of a Category 1 narcotic for commercial purposes. The investigation is ongoing as authorities aim to dismantle the broader drug network involved.