BANGKOK — Thai authorities have intercepted nearly 2.4 tons of crystal methamphetamine, valued at over $91 million USD on the international market, in one of the country’s largest maritime drug seizures to date.
The bust was announced by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during a press conference at the Ministry of Justice on Monday. She praised the coordinated efforts of the involved agencies and reaffirmed the government’s firm stance against transnational drug trafficking.
The successful operation was the result of close cooperation between the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Royal Thai Navy, and Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). According to DSI Director-General Police Colonel Yutthana Praedam, naval intelligence had flagged suspicious activity involving a 90-ton recreational vessel operating out of the Prasae River mouth in Rayong Province.
Sophisticated Smuggling Route
Investigators revealed that the meth was being transported southward through the Gulf of Thailand toward Nakhon Si Thammarat, where it would be transferred onto a larger ship for international export. The drugs had been disguised as bags of corn flour to evade detection.
On the night of June 21, at approximately 11:00 p.m., four Royal Thai Navy surveillance vessels tracked the suspect boat about 5 nautical miles offshore. Upon confirming the transfer, authorities moved in and arrested eight Thai nationals aboard the vessel. In total, 2,399 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine were seized.
Simultaneously, DSI agents raided a nearby pier known as “Luk Yod”, where they discovered a six-wheeled truck with a concealed cargo area and a four-door pickup truck believed to be linked to the drug operation. Both vehicles are now part of an ongoing forensic investigation.
International Network Suspected
Authorities believe the drugs were destined for sale outside Thailand, indicating the involvement of an international criminal network. While all arrested suspects are Thai nationals, investigators have leads suggesting foreign nationals played a key role in the operation.
The methamphetamine has an estimated street value of 239 million baht ($7.25 million USD) domestically, but its international value soars beyond 3 billion baht ($91 million USD).
Government Response
Prime Minister Paetongtarn commended the inter-agency coordination, calling the interception a major step in protecting both Thailand and the broader international community from the dangers of narcotics.
“This criminal network was attempting to smuggle drugs through our country for sale in another nation,” said the Prime Minister. “The success of our officers in intercepting this shipment is a testament to their dedication and our commitment to national and global safety.”
She also noted that authorities have preliminary intelligence on the individuals believed to be behind the operation and that a follow-up press conference will be held once the investigation progresses further.
