Bangkok: The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has intensified its investigation into a drug distribution network using parcel deliveries, leading to the arrest of three individuals involved and the seizure of a significant quantity of methamphetamine pills and ice. The drugs, which originated from Chiang Rai Province, were intended to be distributed to various locations, including Phuket Province. Assets worth 800,000 baht were also confiscated during the operation.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat Lakboon, Secretary-General of the ONCB, reported that the investigation began on January 23, 2025, after the Mae Fah Luang administration alerted the ONCB about a seized parcel containing 3,926 methamphetamine pills. The drugs were concealed using carbon paper, foil, and tamarind to disguise their presence. The discovery occurred at a parcel shop in the Thoet Thai Subdistrict, Mae Fah Luang District, Chiang Rai Province. To dismantle the network, Mr. Prin Mekhanan, Director of the Office of Narcotics Suppression, commanded a task force to collaborate with local agencies.
The investigation revealed that the parcel sender, identified as Mr. Pakornkiat, had used a forged ID to dispatch the package. Law enforcement swiftly tracked and apprehended Mr. Pakornkiat, 38, along with the vehicle used in the operation, on a public road in Ban Phanasawan, Tambon Mae Salong Nok, Amphoe Mae Fah Luang, Chiang Rai Province. During interrogation, Mr. Pakornkiat confessed that he was hired to deliver the drugs for a payment of 2,500 baht.
Further inquiry revealed two additional parcels sent by Mr. Pakornkiat, destined for Yala and Phuket provinces. The Narcotics Suppression Bureau, ONCB, expanded their investigation to identify recipients in these areas. On January 24, 2025, coordination with Betong Police Station led to the inspection of a parcel recipient in Yala Province, identified as Ms. Acheew. Although no drugs were found in the parcel, a search of her residence uncovered various types of ammunition and images on her phone indicating drug-related activities.
The investigation continued into January 24-25, 2025, focusing on the recipient in Phuket Province. Collaboration between the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, ONCB, and other regional units led to the arrest of Mr. Ronachai, who was found with 7,980 methamphetamine pills hidden in a parcel. A subsequent search of his residence yielded an additional 9,560 methamphetamine pills and 67 grams of ice.
On the same day, the probe extended to apprehend Mr. Wichakorn, the individual suspected of ordering the drugs. This led to the confiscation of another parcel containing 8,000 methamphetamine pills, also concealed in pickled tamarind.