A van driver has been arrested in northeastern Thailand after police intercepted a shipment containing four million methamphetamine pills believed to be worth around 200 million baht (RM24 million) on the black market.
The 54-year-old suspect, identified as Kriengkrai, was detained after police received intelligence about a large drug consignment being transported from the border into an inland area using a van registered in Bangkok.
Acting on the information, Chanuman police mounted surveillance along the road linking Ban Hin Siw and Ban Na Yang before spotting a Volkswagen van matching the description provided.
Police said the driver attempted to flee when officers moved in, triggering a chase before the vehicle was eventually intercepted and Kriengkrai arrested.
A search of the van uncovered 10 sacks containing an estimated four million methamphetamine tablets, with investigators putting their potential black-market value at around 200 million baht.
Chanuman Police Station investigating officer Lieutenant Colonel Komsan Khamwan said the huge haul was seized during the operation.
The suspect reportedly told investigators that he had been hired by a Laotian man known as Mr Ta to collect the drugs and deliver them to customers in inland areas.
Kriengkrai has since been charged with possession of a Category 1 narcotic with intent to distribute.
Police are now widening their investigation to identify other individuals believed to be involved in the drug trafficking network and determine the full extent of the syndicate’s operations.
