SAKON NAKHON – Crime Suppression Police chased a suspected drug-running crew for more than 300 kilometers before stopping them and seizing a large haul of methamphetamine pills and crystal meth. The operation led to the arrest of two men, Nithi, also known as Thi, age 39, and Samreng, also known as Ae Kesa, age 48.
Key Takeaways:
- Police seized 220,000 methamphetamine pills and 83 kilograms of crystal meth.
- Two suspects were arrested after a high-speed chase across several provinces.
- Officers say the men admitted they were paid to transport the drugs for a network in the Northeast.
On July 6, 2026, Pol. Maj. Gen. Phatthanatsak Buppasuwan, commander of the Crime Suppression Bureau, ordered Pol. Col. Suriyatsak Jirawat and Pol. Lt. Col. Theeratsak Namkhet of Division 3 to move against a group suspected of hauling narcotics for hire. Officers also recovered two mobile phones and one car used in the case.
Police Tracked the Route Through the Northeast
The first arrest happened on a road inside a university area in Phang Khon District, Sakon Nakhon Province. The second suspect was caught later on Highway 304 in Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
The case began after police received a tip that a large shipment of drugs would move into upper Northeast Thailand, traveling from Bueng Kan Province toward Sakon Nakhon. Based on that information, investigators set up surveillance along routes they believed the smugglers would use.
Soon after, officers spotted two suspicious vehicles traveling in tandem in Bueng Kan. When police signaled for them to stop, both drivers sped off instead. That decision triggered a chase that stretched across more than 300 kilometers and ended in Sakon Nakhon, where officers finally detained Nithi and recovered the drugs from his vehicle.
Suspects Admit They Were Paid to Transport Drugs
During questioning, both men admitted they were hired by a major drug broker in Bueng Kan to move the seized narcotics to an associate in Sakon Nakhon. They told police they took the job because they wanted money for family expenses and leisure.
Police charged both suspects with joint possession with intent to distribute Category 1 narcotics, including methamphetamine pills and crystal meth, along with driving while under the influence of drugs. Officers then handed them over to Phang Khon Police Station in Sakon Nakhon for legal proceedings.
