A suspect in custody with packages of ketamine found in his possession.

Police seize 200kg of ketamine, suspect under arrest in Bokeo

In a dramatic evening operation, police in Tonpheung district, Bokeo province, disrupted a significant drug trafficking operation along the Mekong River, seizing a massive haul of illegal narcotics and arresting one suspect.
According to the Office of Public Security of Bokeo, the Tonpheung district police office received a tip-off around 6:30pm on June 4 about suspected drug trafficking activity in the Sidonmi village area. In response, police officers teamed up with local village security forces to monitor the riverbank, where they suspected an illegal exchange would take place.
At approximately 8pm, officers observed a wooden longboat docking at the riverbank. As police moved in to intercept, about six individuals were seen fleeing the scene from behind a nearby fence.
Despite repeated calls from the officers to stop, the suspects refused to comply. Witnesses reported hearing three gunshots believed to have been fired by the suspects during the chaos. One individual jumped into the river in an apparent attempt to escape.
Police returned fire, discharging approximately ten rounds, and apprehended a man named as Mr Mainuan Sengphanavan, 42, a local labourer from Sidonmi village. 
Upon inspecting the scene, officers recovered a significant quantity of narcotics—200 packages of ketamine weighing 200 kilograms, one kilogram of crystal methamphetamine, and an electric tricycle used to transport the drugs.
The remaining suspects managed to evade capture and are currently being pursued by authorities. Police have launched an extensive investigation and manhunt to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the trafficking operation.

This successful seizure is a major blow to the drug trafficking networks operating in the province. Security forces are committed to continuing operations to dismantle these networks and ensure justice is served.
Police are urging anyone with information related to the suspects or the operation to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update June 14, 2025)