Drug Enforcement Officers Arrest Passenger with Over 8kg of Raw Opium on Bus
Police at a checkpoint in Lampang arrested a 45-year-old man traveling on a Bangkok-bound bus after discovering 8.027 kilograms of raw opium in his possession.
On November 15, 2026, officers from the Sob Prap Police Station in Lampang province conducted a routine inspection of a bus traveling from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. During the operation, authorities identified a 45-year-old passenger, identified as Mr. Nan-tan, seated in seat D7. According to Khaosod Online, the suspect exhibited signs of nervousness, including trembling hands and evasive behavior, which prompted a search. While a physical search of the individual yielded no illicit items, officers discovered 16 blocks of raw opium hidden inside tea bags within a black backpack placed next to him. A further search of a sack in the luggage compartment revealed an additional 16 blocks, bringing the total weight of the seized Category 2 narcotic to 8.027 kilograms. The suspect reportedly confessed to transporting the drugs with the intention of selling them in Nakhon Pathom. For residents and travelers, this incident highlights the ongoing vigilance of Thai authorities regarding drug trafficking on public transport routes. While the suspect has admitted to the charges, the investigation remains ongoing to determine the full extent of the supply chain and potential accomplices involved in the smuggling operation.