Three Arrested in Chumphon After 10km Drug Chase, Meth Seized

Thai highway police in Chumphon successfully apprehended three suspects and seized a significant quantity of illicit drugs following a dramatic 10-kilometer car chase on May 17. The individuals arrested were identified as Teerapong, 33, Suwapat, 25, and Pongsakorn, 25. During the operation in Hat Phan Krai subdistrict, Mueang district, officers confiscated 20,200 methamphetamine pills and 52.13 grams of crystal methamphetamine. The pursuit began when police on patrol observed a black Nissan sedan acting suspiciously, noting its unusually dark window tint and expired annual tax registration. When officers activated emergency lights and sirens, signaling the driver to stop for inspection, the vehicle sped away. Police coordinated a chase, pursuing the car for approximately 10 kilometers before finally bringing it to a halt on Highway 4. Inside the vehicle, Teerapong was found driving, with Suwapat in the front passenger seat and Pongsakorn in the back. A subsequent search uncovered the methamphetamine pills and crystal meth. All three suspects were later transported to Tha Sae Hospital, where urine tests reportedly confirmed the presence of drugs in their systems. Teerapong allegedly confessed to being hired to transport the narcotics from Central Thailand to local dealers within Chumphon province. Matichon reported that the sedan used in the operation was a pawned vehicle Teerapong had purchased from an acquaintance for 20,000 baht specifically for drug transportation. The suspects have been initially charged with jointly selling Category 1 narcotics and methamphetamine use. Teerapong faces an additional charge of driving under the influence of Category 1 narcotics. All three have been transferred for further legal proceedings.