Thailand seizes $90M in crystal meth disguised as corn flour bags

Thai authorities have seized over 2 metric tons of crystal meth disguised as corn flour bags from a tourist boat in eastern Thailand, preventing the US$90 million shipment from being smuggled out of the country.

Eight men were arrested Saturday in Rayong province for allegedly attempting to smuggle the nearly 2.4 metric tons (2.6 tons) through the southern border, officials said on Monday. They did not elaborate on the intended destination or the drugs’ origin.

If sold abroad, the drugs are estimated to be worth over 3 billion baht ($90.8 million), Thailand's Department of Special Investigation said.

The drugs were packed in plastic bags disguised as corn flour packages. Each contained about one kilogram. Authorities said they also seized a van and a truck believed to be involved in the drug smuggling.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra thanked officials for their efforts and told a news conference that "the government is serious about our policies on drugs."

United Nations experts have said neighboring Myanmar is the source of most of the region's methamphetamine and heroin.

A report from the U.N. drug agency last month said the illicit trade in methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs is growing quickly in Southeast Asia, with a record level of seizures in 2024 - 236 tons - a 24% increase over 2023.

The "Golden Triangle," where the borders of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet, is famous for the production of opium and heroin, which flourished largely because of the remote location and lax law enforcement. In recent decades, methamphetamine has supplanted opium and heroin because it is easier to make on an industrial scale.