BANGKOK, THAILAND – Police in Bangkok seized nearly two tonnes of crystal methamphetamine from a pickup truck being loaded onto a ferry to Koh Samui and arrested four suspects linked to a suspected repeat smuggling network.
Major drug seizure at Bangkok ferry pier
Officers from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau inspected a suspicious pickup truck on Friday morning at the Seahorse Ferry Bangkok Pier, also known as the Saengthong Rice Pier, on Rat Burana Road. The vehicle was in the process of being driven onto a ferry when it drew the attention of investigators.
During the search, police discovered almost 2,000 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine hidden in the truck’s enclosed cargo box. The drugs had been packed and concealed inside the compartment.
Four arrests following initial checks
Investigators detained the driver and an alleged accomplice directly at the pier. The two men were identified only as Natthawat (26) and Mesa (25).
Following extended inquiries, officers later arrested Ekkasit (37) and Nopparat (31) in the nearby province of Samut Prakan. All four were taken into custody in connection with the shipment.
Evidence of repeated ferry use for smuggling
Police Lieutenant General Archayon Kraithong, head of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, said investigators believed the network had already used ferries several times for drug transports.
“Investigators assume that the network has used ferries repeatedly for drug transports.”
said Archayon Kraithong, head of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau.
He added that authorities were now examining the structure behind the operation. The focus was on identifying those responsible, the logistics chain and any additional participants.
Route from north and northeast via central storage
According to investigators, the drugs had been moved from northern and northeastern Thailand towards the central region. The shipment formed part of a broader transport route, police stated.
Officials named the provinces of Phetchabun and Prachin Buri as storage locations before the consignment was to be taken further south. These areas allegedly served as interim depots along the trafficking route.
Koh Samui destination, final delivery point unclear
The ferry was headed to the tourist island of Koh Samui in Surat Thani province, a popular holiday destination in the Gulf of Thailand. The truck and its cargo were intended to travel on this route before being intercepted.
Police were still examining where the drugs were ultimately supposed to be delivered. They were also checking whether further handover points or buyers had been planned in the south.
Smugglers relied on tight pre-departure window
According to police, the perpetrators had deliberately exploited the short time window just before departure. This tactic was intended to evade thorough checks at the pier.
Investigators said the plan was for a courier to fly separately to the destination province after the vehicle was loaded. The courier was then to take over both the pickup and the drugs.
Ferry operator denies involvement
Sitthiphon Charoensuk, head of security for the ferry operator, said the company had no role in the smuggling attempt.
“The company was not involved in the smuggling operation.”
said Sitthiphon Charoensuk, security chief of the ferry operator.
He stressed that vehicles were regularly inspected before boarding. He also announced that the operator would consider stricter security measures in response to the seizure.