TAK– Police have successfully intercepted a major drug smuggling operation, seizing more than 2.3 million methamphetamine tablets. The operation, which involved a high-speed pursuit and coordinated checkpoints, resulted in the arrest of five suspects linked to a northern trafficking network.
The crackdown began in the early hours of the morning following a tip-off about a suspicious convoy traveling from Phayao Province. Provincial Police Region 6 had been monitoring two vehicles—a Mitsubishi Pajero and a lead car—as they moved through Phrae, Lampang, and into Tak.
When the suspects realized they were being monitored, they attempted to flee. Police units from the Investigation Division of Tak Provincial Police and local stations quickly set up blockades across Sam Ngao, Ban Tak, and Muang Tak districts.
The chase concluded when officers successfully cornered the Mitsubishi Pajero. Inside the vehicle, police found three men: Mr. Peerapat (the driver), Mr. Ekawat, and Mr. Watanyoo. Officers reported that all three suspects appeared visibly shaken and acted suspiciously upon being stopped.
The Discovery: Millions of “Yaba” Pills
A thorough search of the Mitsubishi revealed 11 large rainbow-colored sacks hidden under black plastic sheets. Inside these sacks, officers discovered a staggering 2,360,000 methamphetamine tablets, commonly known as “Yaba.”
Key details of the seizure include:
- Quantity:2,360,000 methamphetamine tablets.
- Packaging:Compressed into 11 large sacks.
- Vehicle:A modified Mitsubishi Pajero used for high-capacity transport.
- Route:Phayao to the central provinces via Tak.
While three suspects were caught at the scene, two others—identified as Mr. Boonmee and Mr. Chaidan—managed to flee into nearby woods during the initial chaos. However, their freedom was short-lived.
By the evening of the same day, police tracking teams located and arrested the remaining two suspects near Ban Nong Ta Ruea in the Wang Hin sub-district. The coordinated effort ensured that the entire group involved in this specific transport leg was taken into custody.
Legal Consequences and National Security
The suspects have been hit with several severe charges. Under Thai law, these offenses carry heavy penalties due to the scale of the operation and its impact on public safety.
The charges filed against the five individuals include:
- Joint Possession of Type 1 Narcotics:Specifically for trade.
- Causing Widespread Distribution:Endangering the health of the general public.
- Threatening National Security:Large-scale trafficking is viewed as a direct threat to the stability and safety of the citizens.
During initial questioning, the suspects reportedly confessed to all charges. They are currently being held as investigators work to trace the financial trail of the smuggling ring and identify the masterminds behind the shipment.
This bust highlights the ongoing struggle Thai authorities face in securing border routes. Tak Province remains a critical transit point for drugs flowing from northern border regions toward the central heartland and Bangkok.
The successful operation is being hailed as a major win for Provincial Police Region 6. Officials emphasized that this seizure prevented millions of pills from reaching the streets, potentially saving countless lives from the grip of addiction.
