China’s Ministry of Public Security said on October 10 that Chinese, U.S. and Thai law-enforcement agencies had dismantled a transnational maritime drug-smuggling network in a joint operation, seizing nearly five tonnes of methamphetamine. The ministry described it as a record single-case maritime drug seizure in the Asia-Pacific region in recent years.
The case involved a cargo ship called Jisheng. Following joint intelligence analysis, Chinese authorities intercepted it in late February 2025 about 130 nautical miles southwest of Huangyan Island in the South China Sea. Seven suspects were arrested and 4,973.4 kilograms of methamphetamine were seized.
China led the operation, with cooperation throughout from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Royal Thai Police’s Narcotics Suppression Bureau. Real-time intelligence sharing and coordinated maritime action cut off the drugs’ route into the country and the international market.
Industry observers described the case as a notable example of multinational cooperation against transnational drug crime, demonstrating stronger intelligence trust and operational coordination among regional agencies. China’s Ministry of Public Security said it would continue practical cooperation with other countries on the principles of equality, mutual trust and mutual benefit to maintain regional security and stability.
Compiled reporting by this station.
