POLICE in Malaysia and Thailand are intensifying investigations into a suspected transnational drug trafficking syndicate after Thai authorities seized approximately 102 kilograms of methamphetamine from a Malaysian-registered vehicle in Hat Yai earlier this month.
The arrest was confirmed by Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan who said the 32-year-old Malaysian suspect was detained during a roadblock operation conducted by Thai police at around 2am local time on 5 May.
“The Thai officers conducted a checkpoint operation in Hat Yai and stopped a white Honda vehicle with Malaysian registration plate number after seeing the driver acting suspiciously.
“After inspecting the car, the Thai authorities then found multiple packages of suspected methamphetamine believed to be syabu inside a modified loudspeaker section in the rear boot of the car.
“The total seizure was estimated at 102kg,” he said.
Investigators believe the narcotics were intended to be smuggled into Malaysia through land routes after the suspect allegedly collected the vehicle in Surat Thani before heading towards the Sadao border checkpoint in Danok.
Authorities suspect the operation forms part of a larger and highly structured trafficking network using private vehicles to transport drugs across the Thailand-Malaysia border.
“We suspected the man was involved in a cross-border drug trafficking syndicate using private vehicles as a modus operandi to move narcotics from Thailand into Malaysia.
“This was based on the large quantity seized which suggests the involvement of a well-organised and structured drug network,” Hussein said.
He added that while Thai enforcement agencies are leading the investigation, Malaysian and Thai authorities are now cooperating to identify the wider criminal network behind the smuggling operation.
According to preliminary findings, the suspect is believed to have entered Thailand on 2 May through the Danok Immigration Complex in Sadao.
Bukit Aman is also conducting parallel investigations to determine whether the suspect has links to domestic narcotics distribution networks in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, a Thai security spokesman said the suspect’s vehicle was intercepted at a police roadblock along the Asian Highway near the Khlong Wa junction.
During questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted this was his second attempt at drug smuggling and claimed he had carried out a similar operation previously.
“The suspect also told police the consignment was obtained from the Bangkok area and was to be delivered to a drug network in Malaysia.
“He was promised around 123,515 baht (RM15,000) for the job.
“The suspect has been remanded for further investigation at Hat Yai Police Station, along with the seized drugs and vehicle,” the spokesman said. - May 14, 2026
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