Nakhon Phanom river forces seized 200,000 Grade A methamphetamine tablets along the Mekong River. It was found that most traffickers hire fishermen to conceal the drugs and deceive authorities. The suspects escaped back across the river. The seized drugs bore a large green letter 'A' symbol. These methamphetamine tablets were mixed with ice, producing stronger effects and are popular among users who need only one tablet to feel the effect.
Methamphetamine continues to flood in. The river patrol seized another 200,000 tablets of Grade A methamphetamine mixed with ice, which has potent effects. Authorities are closely monitoring the northeastern border market. Users report that a single tablet is sufficient to achieve the effect. This has led to continuous smuggling at the border. Over the past year, more than 200 million methamphetamine tablets and over 15 tons of ice were seized in the northeast, with Nakhon Phanom leading with over 66 million tablets seized. Strict controls on fishing boats have been implemented to prevent drug concealment, including prohibiting nighttime navigation without authorization.
On 23 September 2026, at the Command of the Riverine Security Unit along the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom, Rear Admiral Narong Aemdhi, Commander of the Riverine Security Unit (NRSU), assigned Captain Manrat Boonsawat, Commander of NRSU Nakhon Phanom, along with Captain Punnarut Thomkam, Operations Chief of NRSU Nakhon Phanom, to collaborate with security agencies and the Northeast Border Narcotics Suppression Command.
They announced the seizure of 200,000 methamphetamine tablets, identified as Grade A, packaged in moisture-proof plastic with a large green letter 'A'. According to related agencies, these tablets are mixed with ice, coated with a white snow-like layer, and have stronger effects popular among users who need only one tablet for the desired effect. They are more potent than regular methamphetamine and command higher prices, approximately 150-200 baht per tablet, compared to the usual 50-100 baht. These drugs are from the Chinese Grey network, produced in northern border areas and trafficked into the northeast. They are currently popular in the drug market due to their strong effects.
The seizure occurred after intelligence indicated smuggling activity in Don Nang Hong Subdistrict, That Phanom District, Nakhon Phanom, during the past midnight. Riverine forces set up a blockade and seized the drugs. The suspects abandoned the cargo and fled by boat. Most traffickers use fishermen to conceal drugs to deceive authorities. Measures will be intensified in the northeastern border areas, including registration of all fishing boats and prohibition of nighttime navigation without permission.
According to the Northeast Border Narcotics Suppression Command's annual statistics, over 220 million methamphetamine tablets and more than 15 tons of ice have been seized. Nakhon Phanom ranks highest with over 66 million methamphetamine tablets and more than 7 tons of ice seized.
Captain Manrat Boonsawat, Commander of NRSU Nakhon Phanom, expressed concern over the increasing influx of drugs into the northeastern border area. Over the past year, smuggling has increased due to pressure on northern border regions, leading traffickers to redirect routes to the northeast for easier transportation and access to inland routes. Additionally, the Cambodian conflict has caused minority groups to accelerate drug production to fund their armed struggle against the Cambodian government, using drug profits to purchase weapons. Consequently, stricter border controls are being implemented, especially regarding fishing boats. All boats will be registered to facilitate inspection and coordination with local authorities. Nighttime navigation across the river is strictly prohibited without permission, except in emergencies such as transporting patients for urgent medical care. Any violation will be considered intentional wrongdoing.