Meth haul worth millions seized after dramatic car chase

A dramatic car chase ended in the arrest of a suspect and the seizure of a large quantity of methamphetamine at a temple. The suspect attempted to flee but was apprehended before he could escape.

At 8am today, June 25, military forces from the 4th Cavalry Company of the Chaiyanuphap Task Force, Phamuang Force, announced the capture of a significant drug haul involving 1.6 million methamphetamine tablets. The arrest was made in conjunction with the Fang District Chief, Nopparat Supakitkosol, and Lieutenant Pitya Tawongrat.

Chaiyanuphap Task Force Commander Veerachai Phongkaew stated that orders were given to deploy two patrol units from the 4th Cavalry Company to monitor and intercept drug trafficking activities. This operation was conducted in coordination with various agencies including the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) Region 5, and local police and border patrol units.

The operation started early yesterday morning when the military task force received information about a group of five to six suspicious individuals in Fang District, Chiang Mai. The patrol units were dispatched to the area and began their surveillance.

At approximately 3.30am yesterday, patrol units observed the group of suspects carrying backpacks along the designated route. By 5.30am, it became evident that the suspects were in the process of transporting drugs using a pickup truck and a motorcycle as a guide. The suspects quickly attempted to flee once approached, leading to a high-speed chase.

The suspects’ vehicle, a Toyota pickup truck, and the accompanying Honda motorcycle were chased towards a temporary checkpoint. Despite being signalled to stop, the suspects accelerated, attempting to ram through the checkpoint. Police responded by firing shots to disable the vehicle, but the suspects continued their escape.

The car chase ended in the courtyard of Huay Chanun Temple, where the suspects abandoned their vehicles and tried to flee on foot. The units managed to apprehend one suspect. A search of the site revealed 1.6 million methamphetamine tablets packed in sixteen backpacks.

The apprehended suspect, along with the confiscated drugs and vehicles, was handed over to the Fang Police Station for further legal proceedings, reported KhaoSod.