Thai authorities have seized 500 kilogrammes of syabu, with an estimated value of around RM1.5 billion, in a major drug raid in Narathiwat believed to be linked to a smuggling syndicate operating towards Malaysia.
The seizure took place on Monday following a coordinated operation between Thailand’s Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 Forward and the Narcotics Suppression Bureau in Ban Kawa, Sungai Padi district, about 25 kilometres from Rantau Panjang on the Malaysian border.
A Thai security spokesperson said the operation was launched based on intelligence indicating that a large quantity of drugs had been stored in the area temporarily before being distributed.
During the raid, officers stormed a cattle shed and surrounding areas, where they discovered 25 sacks containing crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as syabu.
Authorities also arrested a suspect identified as “Fairol” at the scene and seized a mobile phone and a motorcycle believed to be linked to the case.
Investigators found that the drugs had been concealed inside the cattle shed as well as in hidden pits covered with grass, allegedly to avoid detection by enforcement agencies.
Initial findings suggested that the suspect was hired by an individual known as “Yu” to guard the drugs, although he claimed he was unaware of the final destination of the narcotics.
The suspect reportedly told investigators that the drugs were delivered to the location using a six-wheel lorry on the night of June 14 before being unloaded and hidden at the site.
Thai officials also revealed that around 50kg of the seized drugs may have already been separated for possible local distribution.
Narathiwat police chief Major General Prayong Kotsakha said investigators are now looking into evidence suggesting the drugs were ultimately intended for the Malaysian market.
“Our investigation indicates the drugs were meant to be smuggled into Malaysia,” he told NST.
Thai authorities are now widening their probe to identify other members of the syndicate, including those involved in financing, logistics, and cross-border coordination.
Officials described the seizure as a major blow to drug trafficking networks operating along the southern border region, preventing a significant quantity of narcotics from entering the illegal market through routes believed to be linked to Malaysia.
The case also highlights a growing trend of traffickers using rural structures such as cattle sheds and livestock areas as storage sites due to their remote locations and reduced risk of detection.
Previously in Malaysia, police in Kelantan also uncovered similar concealment tactics when drugs were found hidden inside a cattle shed in Pasir Mas during an anti-narcotics operation last year.
