2026-05-19,KOTA BARU

Thai authorities arrested a Malaysian man linked to a transnational drug syndicate while attempting to leave the country through the Sadao border checkpoint on Sunday.

During the operation, authorities also seized 44kg of syabu worth more than RM2 million.

A Thai security spokesman said the 38-year-old suspect was detained at the pedestrian lane of the Sadao Customs and Immigration Checkpoint at about 3pm.

The spokesman said the arrest followed the detention of six Malaysians in two separate raids conducted on May 5 and May 14.

"Initial investigations revealed that the last suspect admitted involvement in drug smuggling activities with five individuals previously arrested with 440kg of syabu in Nakhon Pathom.

"The suspect also claimed that he and three others had split up and stayed at a resort in Kamphaeng Saen district.

"He admitted fleeing and abandoning 44kg of syabu after learning that five of his associates had been arrested in Nakhon Pathom on May 14.

"The 44kg of drugs were later discovered by authorities at the resort area," he said.

The spokesman described the case as the biggest drug syndicate bust involving Malaysians ever crippled by Thai authorities.

He added that the Thailand's Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) is currently tracking down three more Malaysians believed to be members of the same syndicate and hiding in southern Thailand.

"Their names have already been listed in the Immigration database," the spokesman said.

In the latest operation, Thai authorities also seizeda black Isuzu MU-X sports utility vehicle linked to the case.