Prime Minister Anutin Chanvirakul presented the results of a three-month crackdown on drug networks, arresting nearly 90,000 cases, seizing 330 million methamphetamine pills, over 11 tons of ice, and more than 200 kilograms of heroin in total.
At 14:00 on 19 Jan 2026 GMT+7, at the Narcotics Suppression Bureau headquarters, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Chanvirakul chaired a press conference on drug suppression operations. Present were Justice Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthaphon Naowarat, Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry Arthit Sampanrat, Narcotics Suppression Bureau Chief Pol. Lt. Gen. Achayon Kraithong, and representatives from related agencies.
This briefing summarized proactive operations from Oct 2025 to Jan 2026, capturing 15 key drug networks. The Narcotics Suppression Bureau intercepted 10 major cases at origin and destination points. Notably, the arrest of the 'Taiwan Boss,' Mr. Chiang Ming-feng, a mastermind of an international network, was made at an Asoke condominium with liquid heroin disguised as lotion and rugs with secret compartments to conceal drugs for export.
Large drug shipments were intercepted, including a Ratchaburi truck seizure of 7.4 million methamphetamine pills and 112 kg of heroin, dismantling of a Prachinburi pilot network confiscating nearly 500 kg of ice, and interception of 1 million methamphetamine pills transported by lead and follow vehicles into the South. Suppression efforts also targeted networks in the Northeast and North attempting to smuggle drugs deeper into the country.
The Border Patrol Police Command achieved three major cases, notably the Mekong River protection operation in Nakhon Phanom province, seizing 480 kg of ice smuggled from Laos. They also arrested networks hiding over 640,000 methamphetamine pills in food cans shipped from the North to the South and intercepted 316 kg of ice at a bypass market in Sakon Nakhon province.
The Highway Police Command intercepted a suspicious sedan at a checkpoint in Chumphon province, discovering over 1 million methamphetamine pills concealed with tape and wax to mask odors, hidden in the spare tire compartment and seats, destined for the South.
Continuous sweeping operations during this period resulted in major drug seizures: over 330 million methamphetamine pills, more than 11 tons of ice, and over 200 kilograms of heroin (including liquid heroin). Authorities also arrested key figures, transporters, and supporting networks, confiscating vehicles, firearms, and assets linked to crimes. In total, 89,076 drug cases were prosecuted, with 88,421 suspects arrested, including 330 million methamphetamine pills, 11 tons of ice, 1.9 tons of ketamine, 269 kg of heroin, and 200,000 ecstasy pills seized. Assets worth 3.3 billion baht were confiscated.
Anutin stated that these arrests demonstrate strong intelligence and integrated cooperation among agencies. The government affirms its firm resolve to prosecute all offenders, including state officials, focusing on asset seizures to cut off funding and dismantle drug networks entirely, aiming to restore sustainable safety to Thai society.
The Prime Minister approved the Royal Thai Police to purchase three X-ray vehicles to enhance officers' operational efficiency. He confirmed the government’s commitment to obstruct drug trafficking and transport as much as possible, acknowledging traffickers continuously evolve methods to conceal drugs and evade capture.
Pol. Gen. Kittirat commended and encouraged all police officers for their dedicated and continuous efforts in drug interdiction and suppression. He emphasized this operation reflects the collaborative integration of Thai police, international drug agencies, and related entities to eradicate drug threats thoroughly, protecting Thai society from drug dangers sustainably. This demonstrates the government’s sincere commitment to advancing its policies.