In the serene backdrop of Songkhla, where lush landscapes and rich culture often steal the limelight, an astonishing event unfurled that prompted all eyes to turn towards a different, shadowy corner of this Southern Thai province. Picture this: Packs upon packs of heroin and speed pills, neatly stacked and on display in Hat Yai like some sinister exhibit, with a staggering valuation pegged at over 117 million baht. This was no ordinary show-and-tell but the unveiling of what is believed to be the grandest drug seizure in Songkhla’s history. (Photo: Assawin Pakkawan)
In a daring operation that could be ripped straight from a highly-rated crime thriller, law enforcement officers nabbed a massive stash of 200 kilograms of heroin alongside 2.7 million speed pills on a particular Thursday that shall now be remembered for its historic consequence. Spanning an impressive breadth of collaboration, the mission saw police, soldiers, and local officials working in concert to apprehend two individuals who otherwise might have been obscure players in a movie they never wanted to be cast in. Enter the scene: 34-year-old Sayompu Tiboon of Hat Yai and his northern accomplice, 24-year-old Wiroj Thongdee from Chiang Rai.
Pol Lt Gen Nitinai Langyanai, a prominent figure at the Border Patrol Police Bureau, revealed details that could rival any gripping narrative at a media briefing. The illicit goods in question—a staggering 596 bars of heroin weighing in at 208.6kg valued at around 89.4 million baht, and a mountain of 2.7 million speed pills worth a cool 28 million baht—were recovered from the rustic yet inconspicuous nook of Thung Tamsao in Hat Yai district. Alongside the forbidden finds were four mobile phones, a Toyota Altis sporting Songkhla license plates, and a trusty motorcycle.
Under the moonlit skies on March 13, agents zeroed in on Sayompu at a makeshift shelter entrenched in a rubber plantation at Tha Morchai village’s Moo 8 locale, brandishing a setup fit for a clandestine stash. It was here that authorities discovered the bulk of the narcotics hidden in feed sacks; a clever ruse if not for the keen instincts of law enforcement.
During the ensuing interrogation, Sayompu spun a tale that named another shadowy character supposedly masterminding the operation—a mysterious figure known merely as “Boss” or “Tom.” Events took a surprising twist when, mid-questioning, Sayompu received a buzz on the Line chat app. On the other end was Wiroj, casual yet unwittingly stepping into a trap. He inquired if the three sacks of contraband were primed for pickup, oblivious to the fact that the stage for his capture was set. Minutes later, Wiroj was on-site, blissfully unaware, as police poised themselves for his arrival. He had barely begun loading the illicit cargo into his car when enforcement pounced, concluding this misadventure with his arrest.
Sayompu had recounted to the investigative team tales of being promised a tidy sum of 2,000 to 3,000 baht every time he hosted the narcotics in his quaint, albeit illicit, “storage shelter.” Meanwhile, Wiroj confessed to being tasked with shuttling the contraband to a dealer brandishing his shadowy trade in Pattani, with promises of a handsome 40,000 baht reward per delivery. Both Sayompu and Wiroj now find themselves entangled in legal proceedings, firmly held in custody as the next chapters of justice unfold.
Is it just me, or does this bust sound straight out of a crime movie?
Definitely! Who hides drugs in a feed sack? That’s classic criminal stuff.
Right? It’s like they were asking to get caught!
Hollywood needs to pay attention to these real-life plots.
Great job by the police, but how many more ‘Bosses’ are out there? This won’t end with just these arrests.
Sadly, you’re right. The drug industry is like a Hydra; cut off one head, two more grow back.
Exactly, Todd. The root issue needs addressing or this will keep happening.
Songkhla is known for its beauty, not this! Such a shame!
Shouldn’t we focus on why people feel driven to this lifestyle? There’s a bigger picture here.
Root causes like poverty and lack of opportunity often drive these choices. It’s not just criminals, it’s desperation sometimes.
Exactly, Nancy. We need more socio-economic programs rather than just arrests.
Why are they using mobile phones in their operations? That’s risky!
With today’s tech, you’d think they’d use encrypted apps or burner phones at least.
The heroin and speed entering our communities is a serious threat. We need to support our law enforcement.
Imagine how many lives this drug traffic endangers. Glad it was caught this time.
Good things the officials acted fast! Can’t believe they were ready to pick it all up without checking for cops.
Overconfidence is usually their downfall. They were too cocky.
Lucky for the cops! Their confidence is our safety.
Sad how people are drawn into the drug world for money, yet it’s such a dangerous path.
It’s big headlines now, but in a few weeks, many will have forgotten about it, just like all the other busts.
Such busts highlight enforcement’s success, but they should also stress on drug user rehabilitation.
Agree completely, Loretta. It’s a health issue as much as it is a law enforcement one.
Wonder how much gets through that we don’t hear about. This could be just the tip of the iceberg.
Scary thought! There’s probably a lot more happening under the radar.
Justice isn’t just about arrests, it’s about dismantling the entire network.
Kudos to the authorities, but I’m concerned about what heroin and speed do to communities.
Yes, both are incredibly destructive! The health implications are endless.
True and it affects families too. It’s a vicious cycle.
I just hope the justice system doesn’t fail and these guys get what’s coming to them!
This just tarnishes the reputation of a beautiful place. Sad reality.
The names ‘Boss’ and ‘Tom’ sounds like pseudonyms. Probably a long chase before we see the real heads.
I visited Songkhla last year, it’s hard to believe such things happen there!