Chiang Rai officials seize six million meth pills, arrest two suspects

Officials in Chiang Rai intensified efforts to intercept drugs along the northern border, resulting in the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of six million methamphetamine pills, along with a pickup truck and a large motorcycle.

Narit Thavornwong, Commander of the Drug Suppression and Prevention Command, yesterday, July 30, revealed that enhanced measures have been implemented along the borders of Chiang Rai and Phayao provinces. Major General Niranchai Thipkanjanakul, Deputy Commander of the Northern Border Drug Suppression and Prevention Command, has been assigned to monitor the drug situation closely in these areas to address the drug trafficking routes.

The operation particularly focused on the areas of Thoeng District in Chiang Rai and Phusang District in Phayao. Last night, a coordinated effort by the 2nd Division of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (Chiang Rai) and the Tak Army Task Force led to the arrest of two individuals.

The suspects were caught with a pickup truck and a large motorcycle, believed to be used as a lead vehicle, in the Huadoi area, Tasai subdistrict, Mueang district, Chiang Rai province. They were found with methamphetamine pills hidden in 30 sacks, each containing 200,000 pills, totalling six million pills, reported KhaoSod.

Narit Thavornwong stated that this arrest resulted from the continuous monitoring of drug smuggling operations along the border areas, particularly in Mae Sai District. The suspects were tracked as they moved into Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province, based on intelligence gathered by the 2nd Division of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, said Narit.

“The ongoing efforts to strengthen drug interception measures will continue despite the rainy season, which may pose challenges to our operations.”

In related news, a violent confrontation erupted in Chiang Rai when a drug trafficking caravan refused to halt at the command of officials. The traffickers, armed and dangerous, fired shots at the officers. The clash ended with two traffickers dead, following the officials’ retaliatory gunfire.