Region 9 seized more than 500,000 methamphetamine pills and heroin in the middle of Su-ngai Kolok city.

Narathiwat, Police Region 9 seized a large batch of drugs in the middle of Su-ngai Kolok city, more than 500,000 pills, with an export value of more than 51 million baht to a third country. Pol. Lt. Col. Kritsada Kaewchandee, Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 9, led a press conference on the search and arrest of suspects with Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine) and heroin in the middle of Su-ngai Kolok, Narathiwat Province on July 4. One suspect was arrested and 515,115 methamphetamine pills were seized. Summary of the operation leading to the seizure of methamphetamine and heroin this time, on July 9, 67 (6:30 p.m.), the Su-ngai Kolok Police Station, which was the arresting team, set up a checkpoint at the roadside entrance to Maharat Stadium. Mr. Rusman, aged 34, who was riding a Honda PCX motorcycle, silver-bronze color, Narathiwat license plate, passed by. When he saw the officers, he turned around to escape until he was arrested with evidence of Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine), ro und, flat, red tablets with the letter WY, totaling 36,000 tablets hidden under the motorcycle seat. The officers charged him with 'distributing Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine) with possession for distribution, which is an act for trade and causes the distribution among the public. Importantly, it affects national security and the safety of the general public.' Later, the police expanded the investigation from Mr. Rusman until they found out that there were 2 more people involved with this drug lot, Mr. Aphinan and Mr. Aris, so they brought forces to inspect both houses that were built next to each other and showed themselves to Mr. Aphinan's mother. The search of the houses found Mr. Aris' father and mother leading a search before finding Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine) in the amount of 479,115 pills and Category 1 narcotics (heroin) in the amount of 9 big tubes. As for Mr. Aris, when he found out about it, he fled. The Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine) seized this time, totaling 515,115 pills, if they slip into neighboring countries or third countries, will have a value of 51,511,500 baht. As for the price of methamphetamine pills in the southern border provinces, the current price is 20-50 baht per pill. If they slip into a third country, the average price is around 50-100 baht. This operation is a response to Prime Minister Setthakit Thavisin's speech and order during the Cabinet meeting in Nakhon Ratchasima on July 2, giving all 76 provinces nationwide 3 months to have governors as CEOs to integrate operations with security forces in an intensive manner to eliminate and cut off the major drug trade cycle. The drug problem is a national agenda that must be urgently resolved. Source: Thai News Agency