Thai authorities seized 50 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine packaged as durian paste at the Third Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge on Tuesday.
On 3 October, Thai authorities at the Lao-Thai border examined two fertilizer sacks on the back of a truck that crossed into Thailand and found 50 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine in 50 packages labeled as durian paste. The truck driver was of Lao nationality and was able to promptly return to Laos after the seizure, according to the Bangkok Post.
Upon closer inspection, the authorities found that each package of crystal meth weighed around 1 kilogram. The economic value of the confiscated illegal substance is estimated to be around THB 50 million (USD 1,344,429), as announced by Deputy Provincial Governor Vijit Kitviral during statement to the public.
Lao and Thai authorities are committed to continuously deepening their collaboration in combating the illegal drug trade, especially at land border checkpoints. Both nations have consistently agreed to bolster their efforts through increased border patrols, enhanced coordination, information sharing, and the training of law enforcement personnel.
In September this year, investigations by the Buriram provincial police into a drug trafficking network from Laos to Buriram saw the arrest of eight individuals and the seizure of over 200,000 methamphetamine tablets and 959 grams of crystal methamphetamine.
