Dog chews package and exposes meth stash in Chonburi

2026-01-28 - 07:21

CHONBURI — 28 January 2026, Villagers in Chonburi province were stunned after a stray dog was seen carrying and chewing on packages containing nearly 20,000 methamphetamine pills before leaving them scattered along a roadside, prompting an immediate police investigation. At about 09.30 on 28 January 2026, Attaphon Koetthong, headman of Huai Yai subdistrict, was alerted by residents who reported that a dog had dropped a large quantity of methamphetamine pills on the road at the entrance to Noen Sai community. The area lies near Highway 7, the new motorway linking Jomtien and Map Ta Phut, in Moo 7 of Huai Yai, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province. After receiving the report, Attaphon informed relevant authorities and led officials to the scene alongside Nathaphop Yomjinda, deputy district chief of Bang Lamung, police investigators from Huai Yai police station and a detective team. Police found numerous blue, zip-lock plastic bags containing methamphetamine pills, bundled together in packages. Some were wrapped in brown tape in large bundles, while others were taped in smaller clear packages. Several bags had been torn open by the dog, with pills scattered across the road. Officers spread out on foot to search the surrounding area within a radius of nearly 100 metres. Additional packages were found strewn across the roadway, rubbish piles, cattle-grazing fields and cassava farms. Authorities seized one large package and three smaller bundles, each bag containing about 2,000 pills. In total, police recovered nearly 20,000 methamphetamine pills, estimated to be worth about 500,000 baht. Investigators believe the actual number is closer to 18,000 pills and does not include an unknown quantity that was damaged or lost after being chewed by the dog. Attaphon said residents had never encountered such an incident before in Huai Yai, calling it the first major drug seizure of its kind in the subdistrict. Police suspect the drugs belonged to a trafficking network and were dumped by the roadside for collection by a local agent. The packages were likely discovered by the dog, which dragged and chewed them, causing the pills to scatter. Investigators plan to review nearby CCTV footage to identify those responsible for dumping the drugs and to pursue legal action. Reporters at the scene were unable to locate the dog involved. Residents said there are many stray dogs in the area that often shelter in roadside grass. Villagers said they would monitor local dogs for any signs of abnormal behaviour, as some of the pills showed evidence of being bitten and licked. Authorities will be notified if any animals appear to be affected so that assistance can be provided.