Songkhla: Millions in Drugs Seized, Two Arrested
In what authorities are calling the largest drug seizure in Songkhla province’s history, a combined force of police, soldiers, and local officials confiscated 200 kilograms of heroin and 2.7 million methamphetamine pills on Thursday, March 13th. The illicit haul, with an estimated street value of ฿117 million (approximately US$3.5 million), highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Thai authorities in combating drug trafficking in the region. The bust, revealed at a media briefing on Saturday, March 15th, led to the arrest of two suspected couriers; the alleged mastermind, known only as “Boss” or “Tom,” remains at large.
The operation unfolded in the Thung Tamsao area of Hat Yai district, a major transportation hub in Songkhla province. Authorities apprehended Sayompu Tiboon, a 34-year-old Hat Yai resident, and Wiroj Thongdee, 24, from Chiang Rai province, at a makeshift shelter in a rubber plantation in Tha Morchai village. Concealed within sacks of animal feed were 596 bars of heroin and millions of methamphetamine pills awaiting distribution. The sheer volume of seized narcotics starkly illustrates the scale of the drug trade in the region.
Police Lieutenant General Nitinai Langyanai, Commissioner of the Border Patrol Police Bureau, detailed the operation at the Saturday briefing. In addition to the narcotics, authorities seized four mobile phones, a Toyota Altis with Songkhla license plates, and a motorcycle—evidence crucial to the ongoing investigation and potentially leading to further arrests.
According to officials, Sayompu confessed to storing the drugs on behalf of the elusive “Boss,” receiving ฿2,000–฿3,000 per transaction. Wiroj’s arrest followed a call he made inquiring about “three sacks of drugs.” Police, lying in wait, apprehended him as he attempted to load the contraband into his vehicle. Wiroj admitted to being a delivery driver, tasked with transporting the drugs to a dealer in Pattani province for ฿40,000 per trip. This interception disrupted the drug distribution network, preventing the substances from reaching countless individuals.
This record-breaking seizure represents a significant victory for Thai law enforcement. However, the continued operation of major drug trafficking rings highlights the persistent nature of this illegal trade. The escape of the alleged ringleader, “Boss,” underscores the complexity of these operations and the need for continued vigilance. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover further details of this criminal enterprise and bring those responsible to justice. Authorities are actively pursuing leads to apprehend “Boss” and dismantle his alleged network. This successful operation sends a strong message to drug traffickers, demonstrating the resolve of Thai authorities to disrupt the flow of illicit substances through the region.
