Marijuana seized in Hat Yai

HAT YAI, June 12 (TNA) -- Police seized 306 kilograms of marijuana worth about 5 million baht on a pickup truck carrying durian and corn on its way to the far South and the border with Malaysia. The seizure happened at a mobile checkpoint on Asian Highway in Ban Na Khuan village of Khuan Lang sub-district, Songkhla’s Hat Yai district, at about 7am on June 12. The Chevrolet Colorado truck registered in Ubon Ratchathani province was seen carrying durian and corn which were believed to be used to cover marijuana as well as its smell. As the marijuana was discovered, police arrested Anant Srising, the 30-year-old truck driver from Amnat Charoen province. Police quoted the man as confessing that he was hired for 80,000 baht to pick up the marijuana in Nakhon Ratchasima province and deliver it in Ban Khlong Wa village of Khor Hong sub-district in Hat Yai. The delivery point is about five kilometers beyond the checkpoint. Police believed the marijuana was destined for buyers in Songkhla, three other southernmost provinces and Malaysia where its price would soar ten times. They were looking for other accomplices involved with the drug trafficking. (TNA)