On 21 January, Thai authorities arrested two Lao nationals and seized more than 800,000 methamphetamine tablets in a major crackdown on a transnational drug trafficking network operating along the Mekong River.
The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation on 19 January, which revealed that a trafficking network planned to transport a large shipment of methamphetamine from Savannakhet Province, Laos into Thailand at the area of Don Tan district, Mukdahan Province, local media reported.
Two individuals, residents of Salavan Province, were apprehended, while others escaped.
Authorities seized four sacks containing approximately 820,000 methamphetamine pills. The suspects were charged with intent to distribute, illegal entry into Thailand, and drug use.
Investigations are ongoing to track down other network members.
In a separate incident involving a Lao national.
Thai police are searching for June Sihavong, a 25-year-old Lao housekeeper suspected in the murder of Somsavath Songsumphanh, a 79-year-old retired teacher in Bangkok’s Bueng Kum district on 21 January, according to local Thai media.
The victim was found dead at her home with severe blunt-force and sharp-weapon injuries. The suspect disappeared shortly after the incident, and authorities are tracing her movements.
