Nong Khai governor Suchart Nopphawan announced the seizure of 322 kilograms of marijuana sticks, estimated to be worth about Bt2.25 million, which were found in nine fish seed sacks covered in black bags.

“Military officers got a tip-off that drugs would be trafficked into the country near the water pumping station between Ban Mai Sai Thong and Ban Nong Kung Nuea villages in Phon Phisai district.

“I ordered the military to combine forces with relevant agencies to keep close watch on anything suspicious in the area. At 10.30pm last night, they found two long-tail boats docked and 10 to 15 men carrying stuff to the shore.

“When the authorities showed up, the men quickly dropped their stuff into the water and turned their boats back to the opposite bank. We suspect they were part of a drug-smuggling network. They just dropped the stuff off for somebody else to take it further into the country,” said Suchart.