The Crime Suppression Division pursued a gang of pilots smuggling drugs over an intense 300-kilometer chase, seizing more than 200,000 methamphetamine pills and 83 kilograms of ice. The suspects confessed they needed the money for family expenses and entertainment.
On 6 July 2026, Pol. Maj. Gen. Pattanasak Bupphasuwan, Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, ordered Pol. Col. Suriyasak Jirawat, Superintendent of Division 3, and Pol. Lt. Col. Theerasak Namkhet, Deputy Superintendent of Division 3, to arrest two drug traffickers: Nithi or Thi, 39, and Samrueng or Ae Khao, 48. Authorities seized 220,000 meth pills, 83 kilograms of ice, two mobile phones, and one vehicle. Nithi was arrested roadside within a university in Phang Khon Subdistrict, Phang Khon District, Sakon Nakhon Province, while Samrueng was caught by Highway 304 in Pru Yai Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District.
This arrest followed intelligence from the Crime Suppression Division that a large drug shipment would enter upper northeastern Thailand via Bueng Kan Province, heading toward Sakon Nakhon. Officers monitored likely routes and spotted Nithi and Samrueng driving two suspicious vehicles through Bueng Kan. When signaled to stop for inspection, both accelerated to flee, prompting a pursuit over 300 kilometers into Sakon Nakhon. Authorities apprehended Nithi, the first driver, with the drugs and later arrested Samrueng, the accomplice.
During interrogation, both suspects admitted they were hired by a major drug dealer in Bueng Kan to transport the seized drugs for delivery to a network in Sakon Nakhon. They stated their motivation was to earn money to support their families and for personal leisure.
Initially, authorities charged them with joint distribution of category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine and ice) and driving under the influence of drugs. The suspects, along with the seized evidence, were handed over to investigators at Phang Khon Police Station in Sakon Nakhon to proceed with legal action.
