Nakhon Sawan: Narcotics Suppression Police arrested two drug smuggling networks in the North, seizing more than 12 million methamphetamine pills and arresting a total of 10 suspects.
According to Thai News Agency, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau police, in collaboration with military officers, the Northern Border Narcotics Suppression and Precursor and Chemicals Command, or N.B.Y.S.35, and officers from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, seized the methamphetamine pills from two drug smuggling networks in the northern border area.
The first network, known as the Northern Prayer Group, was intercepted on Phahonyothin Road in Mueang District, Nakhon Sawan Province. Officers tracked the movement of three suspicious vehicles suspected of transporting drugs from Chiang Rai Province to Bangkok. At the Phayuhakhiri checkpoint, a pursuit ensued after the vehicles attempted to evade authorities, leading to the recovery of 7,990,000 methamphetamine pills. Two suspects were apprehended at the checkpoint, with further investigations resulting in the arrest of two additional suspects at a hotel in Takhli District, Nakhon Sawan Province.
The second network was targeted by the Narcotics Suppression Division 3, working with the Highway Police and Military Intelligence Unit. Six suspects were arrested with 5 million methamphetamine pills concealed in agricultural produce on a 6-wheel truck. The operation began after expanding an investigation from a drug case in Chonburi Province. The network was found smuggling drugs from Chiang Mai Province into Pathum Thani Province. The suspects, including the convoy driver and those responsible for transporting and protecting the drugs, were arrested in various locations.
Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, disclosed that the seized drugs were likely intended for distribution in the central and eastern regions. He highlighted the ongoing challenge of apprehending major players in drug networks and emphasized the importance of international cooperation to tackle transnational organized crime.
Pol. Gen. Prachuap Wongsuk, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, stressed the significance of public information in aiding drug suppression efforts. He encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities to enhance the efficiency of law enforcement operations.
Since October 1, 2018, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau has seized 524 drug cases, arrested 520 suspects, and confiscated large quantities of drugs and assets valued at over 1,300 million baht.