Authorities raided a residence in Sa Kaeo Province and arrested a 37-year-old man with 86 methamphetamine pills concealed under a pile of charcoal. The man claimed he obtained the drugs for sale to cover expenses for caring for more than 54 cats.
On 5 August 2026, reporters noted that Sa Kaeo Province continues to intensify its anti-drug campaign under policies responding to public complaints. Recently, provincial administrative officials led a raid on a residence in Village 5, Tha Kasem Subdistrict, Mueang Sa Kaeo District.
They arrested a 37-year-old man along with 86 methamphetamine pills cleverly hidden under a pile of charcoal beside a trailer truck. The suspect admitted to both using and selling the drugs, claiming he sold them to raise money to care for over 54 cats kept in his home.
This operation followed complaints received by the Sa Kaeo Provincial Narcotics Control Center that the house was involved in drug-related activities, causing unease and distress in the community. Authorities were ordered to urgently verify these claims on-site.
The operation was directed by Sa Kaeo Governor Prinya Phothisat and Provincial Secretary Suthep Chaiwat, who assigned Sa Kaeo Provincial Chief of Prevention Prasert Singthong to command Assistant Provincial Chief Burin Luangchet and members of the Sa Kaeo Provincial Volunteer Defense Corps 1 to conduct the search.
Upon arrival, officers found Banjob Sanjit, or Job, 37, resting on a cot at the rear of the trailer truck within the house. Officials identified themselves with Narcotics Control Board credentials and initially noticed the suspect’s obvious nervousness before he admitted to recent methamphetamine use.
Officers then requested permission to search the house and surrounding area according to legal procedures, demonstrating full transparency. They discovered a white plastic container in a zip-lock bag hidden beneath the charcoal pile near the cot at the rear of the trailer truck.
Upon inspection, 86 methamphetamine pills were found. The suspect immediately admitted ownership of all the drugs and was subsequently detained on charges of illegal possession of Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine).
After arrest, Banjob was taken to the Sa Kaeo Provincial Volunteer Defense Corps 1 headquarters for a urine drug test, which he consented to. Preliminary results showed drug presence, confirmed by subsequent testing at Somdej Phra Yuparat Sa Kaeo Hospital, revealing methamphetamine in his system. Authorities added charges for illegal drug use.
During questioning, Banjob stated he cared for 54 cats at home, spending about 180 baht daily on cat food, and needed to save money for veterinary care when they became ill. He claimed this was why he sold methamphetamine—to finance his cats’ care.
Authorities noted that the suspect’s statements are only allegations requiring further verification. Investigations continue to identify accomplices and the sources of the drugs, consistent with the province’s anti-narcotics policies.