A drug kingpin was left fighting for his life after allegedly swallowing his narcotics stash to destroy evidence during a sting operation in Thailand.

Itthisak Intrasing, 47, also known as 'Chang Huay Yai', was caught with the massive contraband haul as undercover police raided his home in Chonburi.

Officers posing as buyers arranged to purchase 50 grams of crystal meth from him on Wednesday. But when they revealed themselves during the transaction, the disabled suspect fled into his bathroom, frantically trying to flush red meth pills down the toilet and sink.

He reportedly munched on the drugs trying to dispose of the evidence quicker before the cops forced open the door to arrest him.

The suspect was found dazed and sweating as meth flooded his system. He collapsed and was rushed to a hospital, where the drugs were purged from his body.

Authorities said the operation was carried out following a tip-off about a major drug distributor in the area. They seized 32.4 grams (1.1 ounces) of crystal meth and 920 methamphetamine pills from Itthisak's home.

Bang Lamung district chief Patcharapat Srithanyanon said: 'We sent officers to guard the suspect at the hospital, waiting for him to recover before taking him into custody. We will hand him and the seized items over to the inquiry officer at Huay Yai Police Station for further legal action.'

Officials said Itthisak's condition was stable, and he remains under close medical supervision.

In April, a suspected drug dealer collapsed after swallowing more than 100 meth pills during a dramatic police chase in Samut Prakan.

Metha, 40, shoved drugs down his throat and crunched on them while being arrested by cops. He was rushed to a hospital to have the banned substance pumped from his gut.

Meth is classified as a category 1 substance in Thailand.

Under Thai law, using category 1 substances may be punished with up to three years in jail and a fine of up to 60,000 baht, while possession carries a fine of up to 200,000 baht and up to 10 years imprisonment.

Those convicted of dealing may face life imprisonment and a five million baht fine, depending on the amount involved. Producers, importers, and exporters of Category 1 substances face the same charges and may face the death penalty if it is proven their intent was to sell or distribute on a large scale.