Nakhon Nayok: Metropolitan Police Bureau, in collaboration with the Narcotics Suppression Bureau and the Highway Police of Ongkharak Police Station, successfully apprehended a drug suspect identified as the mastermind behind a massive methamphetamine operation involving 1 million pills. The suspect, who was evading capture with four outstanding arrest warrants, was cornered in Nakhon Nayok after a dramatic pursuit involving both police and civilians.
According to Thai News Agency, the suspect, Mr. Thawanchai, aged 35, was taken into custody on January 14, 2025. The arrest was carried out by the Metropolitan Police Bureau, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, Prachin Buri Highway Police, and Ongkharak Police Station. Mr. Thawanchai faced multiple charges, including the possession and sale of Category 1 narcotics such as ice, methamphetamine, and heroin, as well as Category 2 psychotropic substances like ketamine. He was also charged with colluding with others to commit drug offenses.
The investigation revealed that Mr. Thawanchai was the orchestrator behind a drug network that was initially uncovered when police seized approximately 1 million methamphetamine pills in Soi Suk Sawat 47, Samut Prakan Province. Once the network was compromised and his subordinates were arrested, Mr. Thawanchai fled to a neighboring country. However, he returned to Thailand after the New Year in 2025 and attempted to lay low in Pathum Thani Province. A strategic operation led to his capture, and he was subsequently handed over to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau for further legal proceedings.