Massive drug bust & new law reflect Thailand's stricter stance on narcotics

Li Police Station officers seized 12 million methamphetamine pills concealed in beekeeping crates in Lamphun province. This historic bust, the largest in a decade, happened on June 13 at a checkpoint in Wang Din on Phahonyothin Road.

The officers stopped a suspicious Toyota pickup and a white Isuzu truck driven by Channarong from Chiang Mai and Sarawut from Chiang Rai, respectively.

Upon inspecting the Isuzu, police discovered the meth hidden in 120 crates, each containing 100,000 pills. Both drivers were detained for further legal action.

A police spokesperson praised the officers' observation; “The sophisticated hiding method in beekeeping crates was a clear attempt to evade detection, but our vigilance paid off.”

This crackdown is part of a broader effort to combat drug trafficking in the region. Ongoing investigations aim to dismantle the entire network involved in this operation.

Simultaneously, the Thai cabinet has approved a new regulation to curb methamphetamine abuse.

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Under the new law, anyone found with more than one meth pill will face prosecution without the option of rehabilitation, addressing criticism of the previous five-pill rule which created a loophole allowing minor offenders to evade prison.

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Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin emphasised that this regulation aims to distinguish addicts from dealers—those possessing a single pill must prove personal use to avoid prosecution.

The law also allows asset seizures from drug-related activities and rewards for officials and informants involved in drug cases.

Via The Thaiger & Bangkok Post

Image via Bangkok Post & The Thaiger