Police Seize 284kg Ice, Arrest Five in Drug Bust
Region 1 Police arrested five members of the Nong Khae drug gang and seized 284 kilograms of ice worth 90 million baht. The bust occurred on highways in Nakhon Sawan and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya provinces on October 18, 2026. Police are now seeking the mastermind and plan to expand the investigation.
Region 1 Police held a press conference on October 19, 2026, announcing the bust of the Nong Khae drug network. Officers arrested five suspects: Mr. Dee, 46, identified as the driver of the drug‑transport vehicle from Nong Khae District, Saraburi Province; Mr. Than, 27, who rode in the same vehicle from Chalerm Phrakiat District, Saraburi; Mr. Adul, 44, who drove a scout vehicle from Mueang Kalasin District, Kalasin Province; Mr. Pathom, 21, and Mr. Mai, 38, who also rode in the scout vehicle from Bang Pahan District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province and Chiang Yuen District, Maha Sarakham Province, respectively.
Police seized about 284 kilograms of methamphetamine (ice) packed inside an Isuzu pickup truck registered in Bangkok, used to transport the drugs, and a second Isuzu pickup registered in Saraburi used for scouting routes. Five mobile phones were also confiscated. The arrests took place around 06:50 a.m. on October 18, 2026, on Phahonyothin Road (Highway 1) heading toward Nakhon Sawan, in Yahan Muntri Subdistrict, Phayuha Khiri District, and on Asia Road (Highway 32) heading toward Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, in Tha To Subdistrict, Maharat District.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Naradech Tip‑rak, Commander of Region 1 Police, said the investigation began after intelligence showed Mr. Adul using a pickup to move drugs from upper northeastern Thailand to the central region. Police tracked the scout vehicle to Sisaket Province and then followed it into the central plains, where they intercepted both vehicles. The suspects have confessed and been charged with joint possession of a Category 1 narcotic for the purpose of distribution, which could endanger public safety and state security. They have been transferred to the Phayuha Khiri Police Station in Nakhon Sawan for further legal proceedings. Authorities said they will continue to pursue the ringleader and associated assets, coordinate with partner agencies to block cross‑border drug channels, and pursue seizures and forfeitures under anti‑money‑laundering laws.
