9 Million Meth Pills Seized in Major Chiang Rai Drug Busts
Thai security forces have intercepted two massive drug shipments in Chiang Rai province, seizing a combined total of 9 million methamphetamine pills in separate operations targeting traffickers smuggling drugs from Myanmar into Thailand.
The operations, carried out by the Pha Muang Special Forces and the Mekong Riverine Operation Unit, highlight growing concerns over rising drug flows along the country’s northern borders.
3 Million Pills Seized on the Mekong
Lt. Cmdr Panasak Phanphanit, Chief of the Chiang Saen Naval Station, told reporters that officers were patrolling the Thai-Myanmar and Thai-Laos borders in Chiang Saen District after receiving intelligence that traffickers planned to move a significant quantity of narcotics into Thailand.
At around 8:00 p.m., patrol units spotted two men navigating longboats down the Mekong River. The boats landed near Wat Ban Suan Dok in Tambon Ban Saeo, Chiang Saen District.
Naval officers immediately radioed the Pha Muang Task Force, which had troops hidden in the area. As forces converged on the boats, the suspects abandoned their vessels and escaped under the cover of darkness.
A search of the boats revealed 15 sacks containing approximately 3 million methamphetamine pills, commonly known as “Yaba.”
Maj. Gen. Prawat Phopsuwan, commander of the Pha Muang Operations Unit, said drug smuggling along Thailand’s borders has escalated, warning that the situation may worsen during the New Year holiday period.
“All security units have been ordered to intensify patrols and surveillance. Any suspicious activities must be reported immediately,” he said.
6 Million Pills Seized in Wiang Kaen District
In a separate operation on the same day, Narcotics Suppression Police seized an even larger haul of 6 million methamphetamine pills in Wiang Kaen District, also in Chiang Rai province.
Lt. Gen. Somjing Koree, Deputy Commander of the Narcotics Suppression Command, said officers from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) and soldiers from the Pha Muang Task Force were stationed at a checkpoint in Ambon Tap Tao, Wiang Kaen District.
At about 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, they spotted a pickup truck with an aluminum carry box approaching. When officers signaled the vehicle to stop, the driver sped through the checkpoint, narrowly missing several officers.
A high-speed pursuit ensued, with officers eventually discovering the abandoned pickup about two kilometers from the checkpoint.
A search of the truck uncovered 20 large sacks containing approximately 6 million methamphetamine pills. Both the truck and the narcotics were seized and transported to Wiang Kaen District Police Station for further investigation.
No suspects were arrested at the scene of the vehicle abandonment, and authorities are continuing efforts to trace those involved.
Rising Drug Trafficking Pressure
The dual seizures underscore the persistent challenges Thailand faces in tackling drug trafficking, particularly in border areas adjacent to Myanmar’s Shan State—a region notorious for illicit drug production.
Thai authorities regularly intercept shipments of methamphetamine pills destined for markets in Thailand and neighboring countries. Smugglers often use creative methods, including concealing drugs in vehicles, cargo shipments, and river transport under the cover of night.
The combined seizure of 9 million pills this week represents a significant blow to trafficking networks and has an estimated street value running into the hundreds of millions of baht.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as security forces brace for potential increases in trafficking during upcoming holiday periods.
