Thai police dismantled an African drug cartel: 13 arrested and drugs worth 400 million baht seized.

Thai police have dismantled a major international drug syndicate led by an African crime boss following a series of coordinated raids across the country. Authorities arrested 13 suspects and seized a massive haul of illegal drugs worth over 400 million baht. The operation was carried out by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) with support from other law enforcement agencies. Among those arrested were both foreign nationals and Thai citizens, including a senior police officer. According to the Bangkok Post, the detained officer is suspected of assisting the drug cartel and accepting bribes for protection. This has sparked widespread public outcry, especially in light of a recent scandal involving former high-ranking police officer "Big Joke," who visited CSD headquarters. During the raids, police seized significant quantities of drugs, including 2.2 million methamphetamine pills and 728,000 methamphetamine pills in various provinces. As reported by Thansettakij, the total value of the seized substances exceeds 400 million baht. Firearms, ammunition, and large sums of cash were also confiscated. The investigation revealed that the drug syndicate operated across several provinces, including Bangkok, Pattaya, and southern regions. The criminal group used complex logistics schemes and shell companies to launder money. Authorities noted that the African cartel leader coordinated drug shipments from the Golden Triangle countries through Thailand to other Asian nations. The operation is part of a large-scale anti-drug trafficking campaign launched by the Thai government in 2024. The Prime Minister personally ordered enhanced measures against international criminal organizations. As part of this campaign, previous raids were conducted in Bangkok communities where police dismantled youth drug hubs, as reported by the Bangkok Post. Law enforcement continues its investigation, establishing connections between those arrested and other criminal groups in the region. Authorities urge citizens to report suspicious drug-related activity via hotline 1599. The case is under the supervision of the Attorney General, and charges are expected to be filed in the coming days. For readers: Do not attempt to expedite immigration or legal matters through intermediaries — there is no legal "fast-track" for foreigners in Thailand, and such schemes are often linked to fraud or criminal activity.