Fisherman Caught with 422,000 Speed Pills in Major Drug Bust in Nakhon Phanom
NAKHON PHANOM – A 57-year-old fisherman has been arrested in Ban Phaeng district after authorities seized more than 400,000 methamphetamine pills, also known as speed pills, from his home and boat in a major drug bust on Friday.
The suspect, identified as Pichai Sathee of Pak Huai Muang village, was taken into custody by army rangers and officers from multiple agencies. The arrest followed a lengthy surveillance operation, according to Lt Wanchart Mueanpuen, commander of Army Ranger Task Force 2101.
Authorities discovered one sack of speed pills hidden inside Mr. Pichai’s house, and another concealed in his long-tailed boat moored along the Mekong River. The total haul amounted to 422,000 pills.
Investigators allege that Mr. Pichai used his occupation as a fisherman as a cover to smuggle drugs across the border from Laos into Thailand. He reportedly stored the narcotics both at his residence and aboard his vessel.
Under questioning, Mr. Pichai admitted to being involved with a local drug trafficking ring. He told authorities that he initially joined as a user before becoming a transporter, lured by the promise of quick cash. He claimed this was his first time moving drugs and that he was paid only 1,000 baht for the job. However, officials expressed doubts given the scale of the seizure.
Authorities believe the suspect may be connected to a larger transnational network. Efforts are now underway to trace other individuals involved and dismantle the trafficking operation. Officials are also tightening security along the Mekong River to prevent local fishermen from being exploited by drug syndicates.
