Bangkok Drug Bust: 291kg of Ice Found Hidden in Pickup Truck
Bangkok Drug Bust: 291kg of Ice Found Hidden in Pickup Truck
BANGKOK, Oct. 1, 2026 — Bangkok police have arrested a 38-year-old construction contractor after allegedly discovering 291 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ice, hidden in his pickup truck at a petrol station in Taling Chan.
The suspect, identified as Samrit Taeng-on, from Bang Lamung district in Chon Buri, was arrested on September 30 at a Shell petrol station on Kanchanaphisek Road in Bang Ramat, Taling Chan.
Police said Samrit admitted during questioning that he had been hired by a Myanmar national to transport the drugs from Chon Buri to southern Thailand.
Tip-Off Leads Police to Taling Chan
Metropolitan Police Bureau officers launched the operation after receiving information from an informant that a large shipment of narcotics was being transported from Bangkok to the South.
The operation was ordered by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Siam Boonsom and his deputy, Pol Maj Gen Theeradej Thamsuthee.
Pol Maj Gen Chotiwat Luangwilai, chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Investigation Division, led the operation together with his deputy, Pol Col Ritthee Pandam.
Other officers involved included Pol Col Wichit Thirakachornwong, superintendent of Investigation Division 1, and Pol Col Jakraphan Osotkan, superintendent of Investigation Division 2.
Police located a white Toyota Revo pickup truck with Phayao registration plates parked at the Shell station. Samrit was identified as the driver.
A search of the truck’s rear bed allegedly uncovered eight cardboard boxes containing a total of 291kg of crystal methamphetamine.
Officers also seized a 9mm handgun, ammunition and two mobile phones during the operation.
Police Say Suspect Was Paid 100,000 Baht Per Trip
During questioning, Samrit allegedly told investigators that he worked as a construction contractor and had been recruited by a Myanmar man known only as Sam to transport the drugs from Chon Buri to southern Thailand.
Police said Samrit admitted to making two previous deliveries and receiving 100,000 baht for each trip.
The latest journey was allegedly his third delivery. Police said he had already received 20,000 baht for the trip before his arrest.
Samrit has initially been charged with selling a Category 1 narcotic for commercial purposes and possessing an unlicensed firearm.
He was handed over to authorities for legal proceedings while investigators continue efforts to identify the individuals allegedly responsible for organising the wider drug-trafficking operation.
