CHUMPHON — 13 May 2026, Thai police seized more than 519 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine and arrested two suspects during a late-night drug interdiction operation in southern Thailand, authorities said.
The suspects were detained at about 04:10 near the Pathomphon checkpoint on Phetkasem Road in Muang district, Chumphon province, a key transit route to Thailand’s southern region.
Police also confiscated a vehicle and two mobile phones during the operation.
The seizure was carried out by officers from the Pathomphon checkpoint under the supervision of Provincial Police Region 8 and Chumphon provincial police, which had intensified inspections along major southern highways amid continuing attempts by traffickers to move narcotics through the area.
The operation was directed by Lt. Gen. Sitthichai Lokanphai, commissioner of Provincial Police Region 8, along with senior regional and provincial police commanders.
Officers led by Lt. Col. Piyaphon Chatphum, chief of the Pathomphon checkpoint, stopped and searched the suspects’ vehicle before discovering the methamphetamine shipment, police said.
Authorities charged the two suspects with possession of a Category 1 narcotic with intent to distribute without authorisation, an offence linked to commercial trafficking and threats to public security under Thai law.
Investigators said they were expanding the inquiry to identify additional suspects and trace the wider trafficking network believed to be operating in southern Thailand and neighbouring provinces.