Bangkok: The Office of the Narcotics Control Board, in collaboration with Region 5 Provincial Police, has successfully intercepted a major drug smuggling operation intended for foreign countries. Authorities arrested three suspects and confiscated 500 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as 'ice'.
According to Thai News Agency, the ONCB Secretary-General, along with Marine Police and Provincial Police Region 5, made the announcement regarding the bust of the drug smuggling gang. The operation revealed that the drugs were being trafficked from the infamous Golden Triangle region, using Thailand as a transit hub, with plans to ship the narcotics to a third country. The arrests took place in Takhli District, Nakhon Sawan Province, and extended to Bang Yai District, Nonthaburi Province, and Chiang Mai Province, with searches conducted in five locations including warehouses and homes in Chiang Rai Province and Bangkok Province. Authorities also seized assets worth 9 million baht in connection to the operation.
Since February, the ONCB has been actively investigating this network, leading to the arrest of three cases and the confiscation of nearly one ton of crystal methamphetamine and heroin. The crackdown has also resulted in the seizure of assets valued at over 18 million baht. The drugs were being transported to destinations such as Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Australia, among others.