CHIANG RAI, 01 May 2014, – Police and military officials have apprehended two suspects over involvement in transporting 500,000 methamphetamine pills.
Authorities said the suspects were identified as Prachan Boonthep and Anuchit Nernkong who were boarding a Sombut Tour Company bus headed to Khon Kaen from Chiang Rai Province. The illicit pills were found in the bus’ storage compartment packed in a box, the officials said.
One of the suspects, Mr. Prachan who was an operator of the bus, claimed that the box containing the illegal drugs belong to another suspect, Mr. Anuchit, who boarded the bus in Muang District, Chiang Rai. Mr. Prachan was under the impression that the container was holding lychees.
Mr. Anuchit said however, that he didn’t know what the box contained as it belonged to his other friend, ‘Somchai’ whose family name is unknown at present.
According Chiang Rai Governor Pongsak Wangsamor, drug smuggling rings usually use personal vehicles in their evil operations, however lately the criminals have adjusted their strategies, and have begun to deliver goods via public transportation. Therefore the governor has instructed officials to step up their screening measures, while asking bus operators to give it their full cooperation.
