Bangkok: The Prime Minister has announced the successful seizure of a substantial drug lot, totaling more than 1.3 tons, as part of the "Operation to Destroy Drug Networks," which targeted rest stops, warehouses, and transportation routes nationwide. The operation led to the confiscation of over 33 million methamphetamine pills and a significant amount of ice and ketamine.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, presided over a press conference to disclose the results of the operation, which took place from October 9-20, 2015. The operation resulted in the arrest of 16 suspects across 10 cases, with the seizure of 33 million methamphetamine pills, 800 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, and 500 kilograms of ketamine. Additionally, various assets belonging to offenders have been confiscated, and investigations are ongoing.
The Prime Minister emphasized the government's commitment to supporting the operations of the Royal Thai Police, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, the Army, and the Ministry of Interior. He assured that assistance and protection would be provided to officers acting with integrity. He called for enhanced drug management and comprehensive international cooperation to tackle the drug menace.
In addressing the issue of scammers, Mr. Anutin tasked the National Police Chief with tackling the problem. An integrated committee has been established to manage the issue, with cooperation from the Royal Thai Police and other relevant agencies. The government is determined to use all available mechanisms to prevent illegal activities from threatening the country's future and security.
Police General Kittirat Panphet, the National Police Chief, detailed the outcomes of the 12-day plan to dismantle drug networks. The Royal Thai Police, in collaboration with security agencies, arrested 16 suspects and confiscated over 33.84 million methamphetamine pills, 800 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, 500 kilograms of ketamine, and numerous assets. The police are continuing their investigation to target the masterminds behind the drug networks.
Significant cases include the arrest of a family of four smuggling 6 million methamphetamine pills from Lampang to Suphan Buri. The Narcotics Suppression Bureau 1 dismantled the "Express War" network, seizing 10 million methamphetamine pills along with over one ton of ice and ketamine from Suphan Buri and Phetchabun. Meanwhile, operations in the northern region led to the seizure of 11.36 million methamphetamine pills and 300 kilograms of ice from an international trafficking network. The Border Patrol Police Bureau also made arrests in two cases, seizing 6.48 million methamphetamine pills from the "Mai San Chiang Rai" network.
Officials from all units are actively working to identify and prosecute the major masterminds behind these operations to the fullest extent of the law.