The Narcotics Suppression Police announced the results of Operation "Phairi Phinart 3," dismantling major drug networks and seizing 7 million methamphetamine pills and 300 kilograms of crystal meth. They confirmed the fatal shooting of two suspects in Khao Yoi was lawful self-defense after the suspects opened fire first.
At the Narcotics Suppression Police Headquarters at 3 p.m. on 22 Oct 2023 GMT+7, Pol. Lt. Gen. Phumin Phumphanmuang, NSP Commander; Pol. Maj. Gen. Pornsak Surasit, NSP Deputy Commander; Pol. Maj. Gen. Thanarat Songkla, NSP Deputy Commander; Pol. Maj. Gen. Woraphot Disayabut, NSP Deputy Commander; Pol. Maj. Gen. Adis Charoensawas, NSP Deputy Commander; Pol. Maj. Gen. Bhumipat Patrasriwongchai, Commander of NSP Division 3; Pol. Maj. Gen. Theera Thongrayab, Commander of NSP Division 4; Pol. Maj. Gen. Witthas Borirak, Commander of NSP Special Operations Division; and Pol. Maj. Gen. Wanchana Bowonboon, Commander of NSP Transport Division, jointly announced the results of Operation "Phairi Phinart 3." They dismantled seven major drug trafficking cases, seizing over 7,199,000 methamphetamine pills and more than 505 kilograms of crystal meth.
A key operation was a fierce clash between NSP Division 3 police and a network transporting 500 kilograms of crystal meth to the south near Khao Yoi District, Phetchaburi Province, resulting in the fatal shooting of two suspects. Additionally, NSP Division 3 intercepted 3 million methamphetamine pills in Chiang Rai, followed by arrests of a gang hiding 1.16 million pills inside fuel tanks for parcel shipment. They also raided a stash in Ratchaburi preparing 2.56 million pills for southern distribution. NSP Division 1 raided entertainment venues in Bangkok, arresting 14 Vietnamese suspects selling ketamine. The Special Operations Division pursued a car that broke a police cordon in Udon Thani, seizing 390,000 methamphetamine pills. Meanwhile, NSP Division 4 arrested a gang receiving crystal meth and heroin parcels in Phuket.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Phumin said Operation "Phairi Phinart 3" aligns with government and Royal Thai Police policies declaring drug suppression a national agenda under the principle "Eliminate Drugs, Make the Land Safe." The mission focuses on intercepting drug shipments, cutting off major trafficking networks, and expanding investigations to masterminds, supporters, and drug storage sites to prevent drug spread into communities and protect public safety.
The operation's seven cases yielded seizures of over 7 million methamphetamine pills and more than 505 kilograms of crystal meth, along with multiple arrests. Authorities also seized evidence linked to major drug networks, effectively blocking drug distribution across regions. However, the Narcotics Suppression Police will not stop at intercepting couriers; they will intensify investigations based on gathered evidence to reach high-level masterminds and dismantle drug networks systematically by tracing financial flows and related assets, bringing offenders to justice.
The NSP Commander added that drug suppression is not only about arrests and seizures but about protecting the lives and futures of citizens, especially children and youth, from becoming victims of drugs. The Narcotics Suppression Police will continue their work intensely and consistently, integrating cooperation with all agencies to block drugs at the source, dismantle major trafficking networks, and ensure societal safety under the concept "Eliminate Drugs, Make the Land Safe," aiming to reduce drug problems concretely and restore public confidence in living safely.
Furthermore, the NSP Commander clarified the fatal shooting of two suspects attempting to smuggle 300 kilograms of crystal meth in Khao Yoi District, Phetchaburi Province, stating it was a lawful act of self-defense. The suspects opened fire first to resist arrest, forcing police to return fire. Authorities affirmed there was no initial intent to kill but responded firmly to violent resistance. In another case, a suspect confessed that when arrested, he was not carrying a firearm and surrendered peacefully, admitting that if armed, he might have resisted to escape. The increase in armed clashes reflects intensified nationwide efforts to crackdown on drug networks continuously.