Nong khai: The Narcotics Suppression Bureau 24, a dedicated security force targeting drug trafficking along the Mekong River, has successfully seized over 1.3 million methamphetamine pills in Nong Khai province. The smuggling ring involved is believed to have evaded capture by fleeing prior to the raid.

According to Thai News Agency, the 2nd Army Area Command, overseeing the Narcotics Suppression and Interdiction Command 24 (NSTC 24), ordered a coordinated effort by security forces in Nong Khai Province on March 21, 2026, to intercept a large quantity of Category 1 narcotics. The operation took place at Ban Pha Daeng, Moo 3, Tambon Sangkhom, Amphoe Sangkhom, resulting in the confiscation of three sacks containing approximately 1,300,000 pills.

On March 20, 2026, the Nong Khai Provincial Anti-Narcotics Center, in collaboration with the Sangkhom District Anti-Narcotics Center, Surasakmontri Task Force, Upper Interdiction Unit, Second Control Command (13th Infantry Regiment), and the Sangkhom Marine Police Station, acted on intelligence regarding an impending narcotics smuggling operation. Forces were deployed to patrol and monitor high-risk zones along the border. At 8:30 AM, a suspicious object was discovered hidden in the tall grass along the Mekong River bank, about 300 meters north of the Sangkhom Subdistrict Administrative Organization.

Upon inspection, the object was revealed to be three sacks containing approximately 1.3 million methamphetamine pills. The absence of any perpetrators at the scene suggests that the smugglers had fled before authorities arrived.

Following the successful seizure, the officials transported all confiscated items to the Sangkhom District Office for a detailed inventory before turning them over to the Sangkhom Police Station. Legal proceedings and further investigation are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the smuggling operation.