Khon kaen: The Governor of Khon Kaen announced the seizure of a sedan carrying 316 kg of crystal methamphetamine. Mr. Khajornkiat Rakphanichmani, Governor of Khon Kaen Province, revealed the successful operation against a drug trafficking network, which involved the collaboration of several agencies to intercept suspects and seize approximately 316 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, valued at 40 million baht.
According to Thai News Agency, officials received a tip-off from an informant on May 6, 2026, about narcotics being transported in a gray Toyota Altis with Bangkok license plates via Mittraphap Road in Khon Kaen Province. Officers were deployed to monitor the vehicle, which was spotted at 10:30 PM near Weluwan Police Station in Mueang Khon Kaen District. The vehicle was closely followed and eventually stopped in front of a company in Mueang Kao Subdistrict, where officers attempted a search. The driver fled but was apprehended by the officers.
The search revealed six black bags containing approximately 316 kilograms of methamphetamine. The suspect, Mr. Samart, or Lek, a 40-year-old from Nayung District, Udon Thani Province, was arrested. He confessed to being hired by a Thai man residing in Laos to transport drugs from Bueng Kan Province to customers in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province for a fee of 250,000 baht, having completed similar tasks multiple times before.
The suspect faces charges of “selling a Category 1 narcotic drug (methamphetamine or crystal meth) with intent to sell, constituting a commercial act, affecting national security or public safety.” Officials stated that if the shipment had reached its destination, it would have been worth up to 40 million baht, potentially causing significant harm to the public.
The operation was directed by Mr. Khajornkiat Rakphanichmani, along with Pol. Lt. Gen. Rungroj Thakoonpunyasiri, Pol. Maj. Gen. Pokpapop Badipitak, Pol. Maj. Gen. Wuttipong Yenjit, and officers from the intelligence unit of Border Patrol Police Region 2. Other involved agencies included ISOC, ONCB, the Narcotics Suppression Police, Khon Kaen City Police Station, and the Department of Special Investigation.