Anti-narcotics police seized almost 150kg of crystal methamphetamine and arrested three people in two related raids in Chiang Rai's Mae Sai and Muang districts.
According to police, the first arrest was made early yesterday morning after anti-drugs police received a tip-off that a large stash of crystal meth was hidden in a house in tambon Pong Pha in Mae Sai district.
Two men were detained at the house and they admitted that they hid the drug in a passenger van. The search found a total of 149kg of crystal meth hidden under a false compartment under the passenger's seat.
Another team was sent to search the house of a man the suspects said had hired them in tambon Ban Du in Muang district. The third suspect was detained for questioning in connection with the haul but denied any involvement.
Police said they also seized the houses, four cars and other assets valued at 10 million baht for examination.
Narcotics Suppression Bureau Pol Maj Gen Pornchai Charoenwong said the arrests were part of an extended investigation into another drug case and the seized drugs were was destined for a southern province.
Meanwhile, Samut Prakan police have nabbed two suspected drug dealers with over 120,000 methamphetamine pills, 30 kilogrammes of crystal meth and 2.5 grammes of ketamine.
The suspects were named as Watcharapong Piriyathanapon, 36 and Adisak Phupha, 33.
Mr Watcharapong was arrested on Monday for allegedly selling drugs in Theparak district. Police searched his vehicle and found 37.9g of crystal meth and 16,000 methamphetamine pills.
Police said he confessed and identified Mr Adisak as his accomplice.
Yesterday morning police tracked down Mr Adisek to an apartment in Boon Siri estate, Muang district where they arrested him and seized over 106,000 methamphetamine pills, 30kg of crystal meth and 2.5g of ketamine.
Police said Mr Adisak admitted to being paid 10,000 baht a month to store the narcotics in his room.
