Military and police forces joined efforts to expand investigations after seizing nearly 2 tons of ice and raiding warehouses and residences in Loei province, confiscating 20 million methamphetamine pills. They are intensifying inquiries to uncover major drug network leaders.
On 24 May 2026, the Northeast Border Narcotics Suppression and Chemical Control Command (Unit 24) collaborated with the Narcotics Suppression Police and security intelligence units to launch an operation dismantling a transnational drug trafficking network in Loei city. They arrested 4 suspects and seized 20 million methamphetamine pills hidden in two key warehouses and residences in Mueang district, Loei province.
Following up on investigations, on 23 May, the Narcotics Suppression Division 2 (NPD 2) worked with Loei provincial intelligence units, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, and military forces from the Surasakmontree Task Force and upper-level suppression units, plus the 3rd Control Unit (Regiment 8). They arrested a major drug trafficking ring after continuous surveillance. On 10 Apr, NPD 2, with the Narcotics Suppression Bureau and military intelligence, arrested 4 suspects and seized 1,958 kilograms of ice. Investigations continued, leading to the arrest of another suspect with 498 kilograms of ice on 11 Apr.
Later, investigators monitored the network’s movements and at 05:40 on 23 May launched raids on two targets in Mueang Loei district, arresting 4 suspects. They seized 10 million methamphetamine pills from the first warehouse and another 10 million from the second, totaling over 20 million pills. Four vehicles used in the crimes and four mobile phones were also confiscated as evidence.
The first site was a warehouse beside Highway 21 (Loei–Phetchabun Road) in Village 2, Ban Siao Subdistrict, Mueang Loei district. The second was a residence along Wang Saphung–Phu Luang Road in Kut Pong Subdistrict, Mueang Loei district. Officials believe the residence functioned as a storage and distribution point for drugs destined for inner regions. The suspects and all evidence were initially handed over to the Narcotics Suppression Division 1 for prosecution, while investigations continue to identify accomplices and major network leaders.