CHIANG MAI, Thailand — October 6, 2026 — Police Region 5 are stepping up efforts to combat drug trafficking in northern Thailand, using technology and intelligence-led operations to intercept drug shipments from border areas. Two recent major cases resulted in the seizure of 2.8 million methamphetamine tablets and the arrest of three suspects.
The latest results were discussed during a drug-suppression policy meeting at the Police Region 5 headquarters on October 6, chaired by Pol. Lt. Gen. Kritsada Kanjana-onkalong, Assistant Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police and Deputy Director of the national drug prevention and suppression center. Police Region 5 Commander Pol. Lt. Gen. Pratya Prasansuk and provincial police commanders also attended.
In the first case, on October 3, officers arrested two suspects at the Huai Rai checkpoint in Wang Chin district, Phrae, and seized 2.5 million methamphetamine tablets and two vehicles. In the second case, on October 4, officers arrested one suspect at the Pu Kaeng checkpoint in Phan district, Chiang Rai, seizing another 300,000 tablets and one vehicle.
Police said technology is being used to analyze information and monitor suspected trafficking routes, particularly those used to move drugs from border areas into the interior. Authorities have been instructed to expand investigations, seize assets linked to drug trafficking and identify other members of the networks in an effort to disrupt the supply chain across northern Thailand.
