Three Malaysian men have been arrested in Khon Kaen, northeastern Thailand, after authorities seized approximately 97kg of crystal methamphetamine during a joint operation on a train bound for Bangkok.
In a statement on Friday, Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) said the suspects were detained after officers discovered three unclaimed suitcases containing drugs on a train travelling from Nong Khai to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with the State Railway of Thailand, the Crime Suppression Division, and the Highway Police Division as part of ongoing efforts to enhance passenger safety and curb crime on rail services.
According to the CIB, patrol officers on April 8 spotted three large black suitcases with combination locks placed on a luggage rack in one of the train carriages while passing through Khon Kaen province.
“Initial checks found that no passengers came forward to claim ownership of the bags, prompting further investigation,” the statement said.
Railway staff later confirmed that three men had boarded the train at Nong Khai station carrying the luggage, while CCTV footage helped identify the suspects, who were found seated in the same carriage.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the men admitted to transporting the suitcases but claimed they were unaware of the contents, stating they had been instructed by another party to deliver the bags to Bangkok.
The suspects and the seized drugs have since been handed over to investigators at Phon Police Station in Khon Kaen for further action.
