Phitsanulok: Highway police intercepted a former soldier who evaded a checkpoint, transporting 60 kg of crystal meth. A background check revealed a long criminal record, including a fatal drunk driving accident.
According to Thai News Agency, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), in collaboration with the Highway Police Division, arrested Mr. Kittinan, 29, on charges of selling a dangerous narcotic drug of Category 1 (ice or methamphetamine) with intent to sell, and violating an order or regulation of an official prohibiting, stopping, or parking. The items seized included 60 kilograms of ice, one Toyota Altis sedan (gray), and three mobile phones.
The arrest occurred while officers from Wat Bot Police Station were manning a drug checkpoint on Highway 11 (southbound) between Uttaradit and Phitsanulok, at the Ban Thang Ngam checkpoint, Moo 2, Wat Bot Subdistrict. As a suspicious sedan approached the checkpoint, officers signaled it to stop, but the driver sped away. A pursuit ensued, with the assistance of highway police, and the vehicle was successfully intercepted at kilometer 237+600 on Highway 11, Ban Pa Subdistrict, Mueang Phitsanulok District. The driver, Mr. Kittinan, a former military officer, was apprehended. A search of the trunk revealed two yellow sacks containing tea bags filled with methamphetamine, along with a military uniform.
During questioning, Mr. Kittinan confessed that he had been hired by an unknown individual to pick up crystal meth in Ban Du Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Rai District, and deliver it to an agent in Bangkok. Upon reaching the checkpoint, he attempted to flee but was intercepted and arrested.
A background check revealed that Mr. Kittinan had previously been involved in a drunk driving accident that resulted in the death of a 51-year-old woman in Lopburi Province. He fled the scene before being apprehended by Good Samaritans. Following the incident, the suspect gave 5,000 baht to the victim's family for funeral expenses.
Initially, the police took the suspect to Wat Bot Police Station for further legal proceedings.