Soldiers Seize 250kg of Crystal Meth on the Chiang Rai–Myanmar Border
CHIANG RAI – Thai soldiers seized more than 250 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine following a clash with a suspected drug trafficking group along the Chiang Rai–Myanmar border in the early hours of yesterday. The drugs, with an estimated street value of around 250 million baht (US$7.58 million), were discovered abandoned after the suspects fled across the border.
The operation was carried out by soldiers from Cavalry Company 3 of Task Force Thap Chao Tak, operating under the Pha Muang Task Force. At approximately 12.30 a.m., the unit was conducting a routine patrol along the Thai-Myanmar border in Ko Chang sub-district, Mae Sai district. The Ruak River forms the natural boundary in this area, which is known as a key smuggling route and is therefore subject to heightened security patrols.
While patrolling near Sang Ngam village, Moo 6, soldiers spotted a group of around eight to twelve individuals moving along the riverbank toward the Thai side. Each suspect was carrying a large backpack made from modified fertiliser sacks, a method commonly used by drug couriers to transport narcotics through forested border areas.
When the soldiers moved in and identified themselves in preparation for a search, the group reportedly opened fire using weapons of unknown type and calibre. An exchange of gunfire followed and lasted for approximately three minutes. Despite the intensity of the confrontation, no soldiers were injured.
After the shooting subsided, the unit secured the area and waited until daylight to ensure safety and visibility. At around 6.30 a.m., troops returned to inspect the scene in detail. No bodies or injured suspects were found, leading authorities to believe the traffickers escaped under cover of darkness by crossing back over the Ruak River into the neighbouring country.
During a sweep of the area, soldiers discovered 10 abandoned fertiliser sacks. Each sack contained 25 tightly wrapped packets of a type 1 narcotic—crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice.” Each packet weighed approximately one kilogram, bringing the total seizure to around 250 kilograms.
All seized drugs were taken into custody as evidence, and relevant agencies were notified to conduct further inspections and forensic analysis. Officials said the seizure represents a significant blow to transnational drug networks operating along the northern border.
In response to the incident, security forces have intensified patrols and interception measures throughout the sector to prevent further smuggling attempts. Authorities reiterated their commitment to enforcing the Narcotics Control Act and curbing drug trafficking networks that threaten national security and public safety.
