LAMPANG, Thailand – Police seized 300 kilograms of methamphetamine after a wild chase, catching a massive international drug ring.
On the night of July 24, officers at the Saliem Wan checkpoint tried to stop a black MG Extender pickup with licence plate Kor Khor 9281 Samut Sakhon. The driver floored it instead, sparking a pursuit that ended a kilometre away – the vehicle abandoned, suspects vanished into nearby woodland.
Wild chase on a black pickup
Cops used tactical manoeuvres to box in the speeding pickup. But the driver bailed out before they could catch him. A search of the surrounding forest found no trace of the occupants.
The abandoned car told a different story. Inside the rear passenger area, ten bulging plastic sacks were stuffed with black garbage bags, taped shut and fitted with traditional cloth carrying straps.
Kilograms of Jin Yu drugs inside
Each sack held about 30 bags of crystal meth – known to investigators as “ice”. The packets carried a golden koi fish seal and the words “JIN YU” in Chinese and English script. Total weight: 300 kilograms.
Police said the haul was destined for distribution through a highly organised network. The scale of the seizure suggests a major blow to regional trafficking routes.
Police brass of Lampang appear together
Nearly two weeks after the bust, top officials held a press conference on August 4. Deputy Governor Phatchara Simasathian led the event. Alongside him stood Provincial Police Commander Major General Phumipanya Nawatrakulphisut, Wiang Mok Police Station Superintendent Colonel Pirachat Pakpriew, and other district officials.
The officers laid out the case details, stressing the coordination between multiple agencies. They said the investigation was still ongoing.
Organised network controlled from abroad
Police uncovered a professional smuggling ring involving non-Thai nationals who hold only a “rosa card” – a document for people without official registration status – and Myanmar nationals. The group worked with a dedicated scout vehicle that drove ahead of the drug-laden pickup to warn of checkpoints.
The tactic failed. Officers said the network was international in scope, with masterminds operating from outside Thailand. The seized pickup and all evidence were handed over to Wiang Mok station.
Arrest warrants for masterminds in preparation
Investigators have identified the people involved. They are now collecting final evidence to ask a court for arrest warrants against every member of the organisation. Criminal prosecution is the next step.
Police said the case remains active. More details are expected as the warrants are approved.