KHON KAEN, THAILAND – A dramatic chase in a sugar cane field ended Sunday morning with the seizure of one million methamphetamine pills. Tourist police stopped two suspected couriers transporting drugs worth 30 million baht.
Escape into Dense Sugar Cane Field
At around 8 a.m., police struck in the village of Huai Jod in Kranuan district. Officers had previously received a precise tip about a planned drug delivery in the region.
When officers attempted to stop a suspicious car and a motorcycle, the drivers sped off. The suspects fled into a nearby sugar cane plantation but were quickly overpowered by the response team.
Million-Dollar Find with Y1 Logo
During the search, investigators discovered a total of five sacks full of narcotics. The meth pills were marked with a conspicuous Y1 logo and have an enormous black-market value.
One sack containing 200,000 pills lay directly in the suspects’ getaway car. Four additional sacks with 800,000 tablets were found hidden near the arrest site.
Financial Desperation Drove Courier to Crime
The 40-year-old suspect Jutha Saeng-ae confessed to the crime during interrogation. He stated that he had been recruited by a contact from Laos due to financial problems.
“I was recruited by a contact from Laos because of financial problems.”
said Jutha Saeng-ae, 40-year-old suspect.
He was to receive a wage of 30,000 baht for the delivery to Chum Phae district. According to his statement, he would later receive further instructions for the handover by phone.
Accomplice Denies Any Involvement
The second detainee, 33-year-old Thaweesak Chomphusri, denies any guilt. He claims he only wanted to drive his uncle’s car home and knew nothing about the drugs.
“I only wanted to drive my uncle’s car home and knew nothing about the drugs.”
said Thaweesak Chomphusri, 33-year-old suspect.
Police give little credence to this version, as both men were found together at the scene. Investigators consider this the biggest blow against drug trafficking in the region in a year. Both suspects were charged with collusion in possession of a Category-1 narcotic (methamphetamine) for sale. The seized speed pills were handed over to investigators at Kranuan police station for further legal proceedings.
Danger for the Inner Provinces
According to Pol Col Ronnaphat Phengyuak, the drugs were intended for small dealers in Thailand’s inner provinces. Police said reaching the target would have caused severe societal damage.