CHUMPHON: Officers from the Central Investigation Bureau and the Highway Police arrested three men and seized 612,000 methamphetamine pills after a high-speed pursuit of more than 100 kilometres that ended when a pickup truck driver lost control and sideswiped a 10-wheel truck.
Those arrested were identified as Mr Nai, 28, who was driving the drug-laden pickup; Mr Worawut, also known as Jack, 43, who allegedly provided routes and the locations of police checkpoints; and Mr Pitak, also known as Big, 28, who drove a lead vehicle. Police said a former officer who had been dismissed from the force was among those involved in scouting and guiding the convoy.
The suspects face charges of jointly distributing a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine, or ya ba) with intent to sell as a commercial enterprise, an offence police say was capable of spreading drugs among the public and affecting state security or public safety. Nai and Pitak were also charged in connection with drug use and driving with narcotics in their system.
Arrests were made along Highway 41 (Asia Route) at kilometre 20+200 in Wisai Nuea and at kilometre 6 in Tak Daet, Mueang district, Chumphon. Seized items included 612,000 ya ba tablets, a pickup truck, a passenger vehicle and four mobile phones.
According to investigators, highway police received a tip from an informant that a network planned to smuggle drugs south toward Surat Thani. Officers later spotted two vehicles travelling in tandem: a Fortuner acting as a scout and a pickup following behind. When police signalled the vehicles to stop for a search, the pickup accelerated and fled.
Officers chased the convoy for more than 100 kilometres. The pickup then attempted a U-turn to escape, lost control and clipped a truck. A search of the wrecked vehicle found three sacks of ya ba, totalling 612,000 pills, hidden inside. Police later intercepted the lead car as well.
All three suspects initially confessed, police said, and admitted they had been hired at 20,000 baht per trip. Officers said this was the second such job. The men and the seized evidence were handed over to investigators at Lang Suan Police Station for further legal action.
The operation was directed under Pol. Lt. Gen. Natthasak Chaowanasi, commander of the CIB; Pol. Maj. Gen. Pornsaks Laorujiralai, commander of the Highway Police; and Pol. Col. Phakaphon Suchon, superintendent of Division 2 of the Highway Police. On-scene work was carried out by Pol. Lt. Col. Kla Sombatphibun and officers from Highway Police Sub-division 4, Division 2, based in Chumphon. Photo credit CIB.