Saraburi: Police have arrested two suspects linked to the "Yasothon Pilot" drug trafficking network and seized 2 million methamphetamine pills following a raid on a suspicious vehicle. Investigators apprehended Punyisa, also known as Pu, and Naphasanan, also known as Paep, both aged 37 from Yasothon, while they were driving a heavily loaded white sedan along the Sikhiu-Ubon Ratchathani road. The operation was conducted by officers from Kaeng Khoi Police Station and Saraburi Provincial Police, who coordinated to intercept the vehicle as it approached Mittraphap Road heading towards Saraburi.
According to Thai News Agency, the suspects confessed to making multiple drug deliveries, with payments reaching up to 200,000 baht per trip. A search of their vehicle uncovered ten sacks filled with methamphetamine pills, estimated to have an export value of 60 million baht. Alongside the drugs, three mobile phones used for their illicit operations were confiscated. The arrested individuals have been handed over to Kaeng Khoi Police Station for further legal proceedings.
This significant arrest follows a previous operation where three suspects were detained with over 6.7 million methamphetamine pills. Investigations revealed that the "Yasothon Pilot" network employed women to smuggle drugs from the northeastern to central regions of Thailand. Employing strategic surveillance, the police intercepted the suspects' vehicle leading to this successful apprehension.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Thammanoon Chaowavanich, commander of the Saraburi Provincial Police, disclosed that the gang, known as "Yasothon Pilots," has been actively involved in drug courier operations. Recently, they altered their tactics by utilizing women to transport drugs, aiming to evade law enforcement detection.
During questioning, one suspect admitted to being hired to deliver methamphetamine to clients in Bangkok and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya on seven occasions, and four times to Saraburi province. Payment for their services began at 70,000 baht, increasing to a maximum of 200,000 baht depending on the drug value.
Authorities are now expanding their investigation to identify and apprehend customers, those responsible for ordering the drugs, and other network members. They are also examining assets connected to the criminal activities for potential legal action.