Thai task force intercepts illegal immigrants with meth pills near border

Troops from the Ratchamanu Special Task Force apprehended a group of illegal immigrants attempting to cross the border into Thailand. During a search, police discovered 14 methamphetamine pills on one individual, leading to immediate legal action.

The operation was conducted at 4am today, November 20 and is part of an ongoing effort directed by General Phana Khlaewplodthuk, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army. His mandate emphasises stringent measures against illegal activities and border security, reflecting the government’s priority on these issues. Following his directive, the Third Army Region has ramped up border surveillance and patrolling.

The Ratchamanu Special Task Force, specifically the 421st Infantry Company, was responsible for the operation. They were patrolling the area around Ban Phop Phra Sai Ngam in Phop Phra district, Tak province, when they encountered a group walking across the terrain from Myanmar into Thailand. The task force identified themselves as military officers and proceeded to investigate.

Preliminary questioning revealed that the group consisted of nine Myanmar nationals entering Thailand illegally via natural routes. Among them were two men, five women, and two boys, reported KhaoSod.

Upon inspecting their belongings, officers discovered that one of the men was carrying 14 methamphetamine pills, classified as a Category 1 narcotic. This discovery led to the detention of the Myanmar nationals, who were subsequently handed over to the Phop Phra Police Station for further legal proceedings.

In related news, police in Kanchanaburi detained a group of 20 foreigners for illegally residing in Thailand. The group, composed of 18 Chinese men and two Lao women, was apprehended in the Sangkhla Buri district, according to local police reports.

Police Colonel Paitoon Sriwilai from the Sangkhla Buri Police Station revealed that the arrests followed an investigation into a Chinese gang’s unlawful border crossings between Thailand and Myanmar using natural channels in the area. This activity raised suspicions and prompted a coordinated operation with patrol soldiers.