PATHUM THANI, Thailand – Border police apprehended a 40-year-old drug courier following a pursuit, discovering 500 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine in his vehicle. The man confessed to having successfully smuggled narcotics into the country multiple times for a Laotian boss.
Chase Ends in Crash and Handcuffs
Detectives from Border Guard Police Region 2 had been monitoring a white Chevrolet Captiva with Bangkok license plates for some time. On June 8th, at 4 AM, the vehicle was spotted on a side road in the Tha Khantho district of Kalasin province. When the driver noticed the officers, he accelerated and attempted to flee. The police deployed a stop stick, causing the vehicle to veer off the road between Tha Khantho and Nong Kung Si, where it came to a halt.
Ten Bags of Deadly Cargo
Officers arrested the 40-year-old man, identified as Mr. Awut from Songkhla province, who was driving the vehicle. Inside the car, several black bags were piled high. Upon inspection, the full extent of the cargo was revealed: 500 square packages, tightly packed with a total of half a ton of methamphetamine.
The drugs were contained in ten bags and were destined for the market in Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani province. The planned route had cleverly circumvented checkpoints by traveling through the provinces of Bueng Kan, Nong Khai, and Udon Thani.
50,000 Baht Per Bag for Transport
During interrogation, Awut provided details about his operation. He stated he was directly employed by a Laotian client who contacted him through the Line app under the name “CK.” For each bag of drugs, he was paid 50,000 Baht.
He explained that a Thai acquaintance, who had fled to Laos due to ongoing legal issues, facilitated the job. Awut, who was unemployed, accepted the offer. He admitted to having successfully completed three previous transports for the same boss.
The Car: A Cheap Wreck for 90,000 Baht
For this latest operation, the boss arranged for a dilapidated pawned car to be purchased. The Chevrolet Captiva cost the network a mere 90,000 Baht. The vehicle, laden with drugs, was parked near the new government center in Bueng Kan.
Awut picked it up from that location and drove it along side roads towards his destination. The payment method was old-fashioned but deemed secure: no bank transfers, but cash paid directly by dealers at the Thai-Laotian border.
Police Already Know the Fixer
Police Major General Wuttipong Yenjit, commander of the Border Guard Police, stated at a press conference that most arrested individuals claim to be mere couriers. Many have prior convictions and return to the drug trade after their release from prison.
However, the officers indicated they are already ahead of the situation. They claim to know the identity and whereabouts of the Thai coordinator who acts as the intermediary between the Laotian boss and the couriers. Investigations are reportedly proceeding at full speed.
Indictment and No Chance of Bail
The 40-year-old Awut was handed over to the Tha Khantho police station. He faces a lengthy prison sentence for trafficking Category 1 narcotics on a commercial scale.
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