Senior narcotic officials announced on Monday that Thai authorities have seized a record amount of crystal methamphetamine, intercepting over 1.5 tonnes of the illegal drug.
After a tip, the cargo was discovered at a Bangkok warehouse. According to authorities, it was smuggled from Africa via India and was headed for Europe, the US, or Australia.
At the scene, four males were taken into custody.
According to Phanurat Lukboon, secretary general of the Office of the Narcotic Control Board, officials discovered 1.65 tons of crystal meth concealed in cotton rolls at the warehouse.
“It is the first time we have seized such a large quantity of methamphetamine,” Phanurat told AFP.
The amount of the haul was not disclosed by officials, but a one-tonne crystal meth seizure in May of last year was worth $25 million.
Illegal drugs produced in the “Golden Triangle” region—which consists of northern Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar—pass through the kingdom frequently.
In Thailand, methamphetamine is typically taken in two forms: crystals (also known as “ice”) or tablets (also known as “yaba”), which are typically less pure.
Methamphetamine is largely produced illegally in border regions under the authority of armed ethnic minority groups, making Myanmar a significant supplier of the drug.
According to the UN, organized crime groups increased methamphetamine manufacture throughout East and Southeast Asia in 2023, resulting in a record amount of the drug being recovered.
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