Bokeo: Police in Bokeo province have intercepted a 22-wheel transport truck carrying a staggering 19.5 million methamphetamine pills, marking one of the largest drug seizures of the year.
According to Lao News Agency, the bust occurred at the Nam Keung checkpoint when officers stopped a truck traveling from Ton Pheung district to Huayxay. The vehicle, bearing license plates Boko 4489 (head truck) registered in Oudomxay and Boko 4753 (trailer) from Luang Namtha, had been modified to conceal drugs within its sleeper cabin.
The driver, identified as Pa Vang, 29, a Lao national of Hmong ethnicity from Phon Savan village in Luang Prabang province, was taken into custody. A search of the truck uncovered 78 packages containing 9,750 bundles, equal to 19.5 million methamphetamine tablets, with a total weight of 2,184 kilograms. Authorities also seized a red 22-wheel truck and a blue Infinix mobile phone used by the suspect.
Specialized law enforcement teams are now conducting an expanded investigation to identify others involved and pursue legal action under Lao law. In a related incident, Bokeo Police seized 10 million amphetamine pills hidden in a vehicle traveling from Tonpheung district toward Houayxay district.
The case, detected on May 10 in Bokeo province, some 350 km northwest of the capital, Vientiane, revealed 50 bags containing 10 million amphetamine pills, as reported by Lao National Radio. Police investigating the case are trying to determine the source of the drugs and identify relevant individuals.
In 2025, the government will continue to work with relevant departments at all levels to intensify measures to crack down on the drug trade and eliminate drug abuse in the country.