Chiang Rai:A significant drug trafficking network that smuggled methamphetamine pills via parcel post has been dismantled by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), resulting in the arrest of seven people and the seizure of 1.59 million pills.
According to Thai News Agency, the ONCB, working with various agencies, conducted an in-depth investigation into the network operating from Chiang Rai province. The investigation, conducted between September 28 and October 3, 2026, led to the arrest of Mr. Ekkarat, the mastermind behind the operation, and his accomplices: Mr. Athit, Mr. Satawat, Mr. Anucha, Mr. Sompong, Ms. Suphita, and Ms. Jintana. The investigation revealed that the network used parcels to distribute methamphetamine to southern and eastern Thailand.
The operation followed the seizure of a package containing 250,000 methamphetamine pills by Krabi Provincial Police on October 1, 2026, which traced back to Chiang Rai Province. Mr. Ekkarat and Mr. Pisit were found responsible for sending 11 packages on September 28, 2026. These packages were intercepted across various provinces, including Krabi, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Phatthalung, Songkhla, and Prachinburi.
On October 2, 2026, further investigations led to the arrest of Mr. Ekkarat in Surat Thani Province, alongside three packages containing 600,000 methamphetamine pills and a vehicle. A subsequent search of a rented house in Mae Suai District, Chiang Rai Province, uncovered empty packages and drug paraphernalia.
Continued efforts led to the arrest of Mr. Anucha in Phatthalung Province with 90,000 methamphetamine pills and the confiscation of additional packages in Songkhla and Prachinburi Provinces. Investigations revealed the network had sent 41 parcels containing approximately 2,440,000 pills, with authorities intercepting 11 parcels.
Pol. Col. Suriya Singhakamol, Secretary-General of the ONCB, stated that the suspects exploited private courier services during flood conditions to evade detection. They personally delivered packages and quickly traveled to the destinations to impersonate recipients. The ONCB is continuing to gather evidence and seek arrest warrants for all involved.
The ONCB urges public cooperation in reporting narcotics-related information to their hotline, ensuring confidentiality for informants.