The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), together with Northern security agencies, dismantled a major drug network in Chiang Rai Province, arresting four suspects and seizing a total of 240 kilograms of ice and ketamine.
On 23 December 2025 at approximately 15:00, the ONCB, under the leadership of Pol. Lt. Col. Suriya Singhakmon, Secretary-General of the ONCB, and Mr. Aphikit Ch. Rojprasert, Deputy Secretary-General, joined forces with the Army Operations Center, the Security Center of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, Unit NB.YS.35, Provincial Police Region 5, Chiang Rai Provincial Police, Pha Muang Task Force, Rangers, local administration, and related agencies to arrest a major drug trafficking network in Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai Province.
This operation was led by the ONCB's drug suppression unit headed by Mr. Noppadol Nummai, Director of Division 3, and Mr. Narongdet Kamphiro, Acting Director of Division 2, along with personnel from multiple units who conducted a search of a house in Village No. 1, Sri Don Moon Subdistrict, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai Province.
They arrested four suspects: Mr. Sakorn Mekpothi, 54, and Ms. Prapatsorn Mekpothi, 33, both residents of Sri Don Moon Subdistrict, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai; and two Myanmar nationals, Mr. Sai Wun and Mr. Sai Sao Tip, who lived in an unnumbered rental house in the same subdistrict. All suspects confessed to the charges.
Authorities seized large quantities of illegal drugs, including 120 kilograms of a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine or ice) and 120 kilograms of a Category 2 psychoactive substance (ketamine), totaling over 240 kilograms. These were hidden inside the residence and secret compartments under a pickup truck. Additionally, modified pickup trucks and multiple mobile phones were seized as evidence.
This arrest resulted from an investigation starting in mid-December 2025, revealing drug trafficking activities from the Thailand-Myanmar border area through Mae Sai District, then distributing drugs throughout Northern Thailand and connecting to inner regions of the country. Methods included changing vehicle license plates and using rental houses as drug storage points.
After the arrests, officials took all suspects and the seized evidence to Pol. Lt. Col. Mangkon Saenma, Investigation Officer at Chiang Saen Police Station, for prosecution under the law. Investigations to identify other accomplices are ongoing.