Thai police intercept 90 tonnes of toluene destined for Myanmar

In a major crackdown, Thai police intercepted a massive shipment of toluene at Laem Chabang Port in Si Racha district, effectively preventing its export to Myanmar. Toluene, a solvent, is also known to be a precursor in the manufacture of narcotic drugs.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, accompanied by Assistant National Police Chief Police Lieutenant General Samran Nualma and Pol. Lt. Gen. Panurat Lakboon, secretary-general of the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), addressed the media at the port to share details of the operation.

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Highlighting the government’s strong stance against drug trafficking, the prime minister praised the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies, including the Royal Thai Police, ONCB, the Customs Department, the Department of Industrial Works, and the Narcotics Suppression Bureau. Their joint operation led to the seizure of 90 tonnes of toluene, classified as a Category 3 hazardous material under the Hazardous Substances Act of 1992. Prime Minister Srettha has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the case.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Panurat disclosed that the authorities had received intelligence about the smuggling attempt. The toluene, concealed in six shipping containers, had originated from Busan, South Korea, and was destined for Yangon, Myanmar, via Mae Sot in Tak. The police successfully intercepted the shipment before it could be transported overland.

Upon investigation, it was found that the importing company had no previous history of importing toluene. While toluene is commonly used in industries such as automotive paint, fabric dyeing, and the manufacture of rubber and plastics, it can also be used to produce illegal drugs.

Had the smuggling operation succeeded, the 90 tonnes of toluene could have been converted into 4.5 tonnes of crystal methamphetamine (Ice), 270 million methamphetamine pills, or 4.5 tonnes of cocaine.

The estimated value of the seized toluene is about 3.6 million baht. However, the potential street value of the drugs that could have been produced from it runs into tens of billions of baht.

“Police will issue a summons for the company bosses that imported the substance,”

This seizure is part of a broader government initiative aimed at dismantling drug production networks comprehensively. Since last year, authorities have confiscated 859 tonnes of precursor chemicals. These shipments, originating from countries including India, Australia, China, and South Korea, were headed for Myanmar and Laos.

The successful interception at Laem Chabang Port demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to disrupting the supply chains of narcotics and preventing the production of illegal drugs in the region.