Four Million Yaba Pills Seized After Van Flees Checkpoint in Amnat Charoen
Four Million Yaba Pills Seized After Van Flees Checkpoint in Amnat Charoen
AMNAT CHAROEN, Thailand Aug. 31, 2026 — Police in northeastern Thailand have seized approximately four million yaba tablets, with an estimated street value of more than 200 million baht, after a Bangkok-registered van allegedly attempted to flee a police checkpoint in Amnat Charoen province.
The seizure took place during the night of August 30 on the Ban Hin Suea–Ban Na Yang road in Chanuman district. One suspect, identified by police only as Kriangkrai, was arrested following a pursuit.
The operation was led by Pol Col Chotinrin Suphawarat, superintendent of Chanuman Police Station.
According to Pol Lt Col Komsan Khamwan, an investigation inspector at the station, police had received information that a Bangkok-plated van was allegedly being used to transport narcotics from the border area toward Thailand’s inner provinces.
Officers subsequently established surveillance along the Ban Hin Suea–Ban Na Yang route in Chanuman subdistrict.
When the suspected van approached, police signalled the driver to stop for a search. The driver allegedly accelerated and attempted to escape, prompting officers to pursue the vehicle.
Police eventually managed to block the van and detained Kriangkrai.
A search of the vehicle uncovered 10 sacks containing approximately four million yaba tablets, police said.
Yaba, the Thai term commonly used for methamphetamine tablets, is classified as a Category 1 narcotic under Thai law.
Authorities believe the drugs were being transported from the border region toward destinations in Thailand’s interior.
Kriangkrai has been charged with selling a Category 1 narcotic, yaba, for commercial purposes and distributing it to the public.
He and the seized drugs were handed over to investigators at Chanuman Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Police said the investigation would continue to identify and apprehend other individuals allegedly involved in the trafficking operation.
The seizure is among the larger drug hauls reported in the area, with authorities estimating the value of the seized tablets at more than 200 million baht.
Police have not disclosed the suspected origin of the drugs or their intended final destination, and it remains unclear whether further arrests will follow.
