Chiang rai: The Pha Muang Task Force engaged in a clash with a drug trafficking gang in the Doi Pha Hami area of Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, resulting in the seizure of 2.2 million methamphetamine pills.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident occurred in the early hours when task force officers encountered a group of 10-15 individuals carrying backpacks. Upon identifying themselves and requesting to search the group, the suspects opened fire using an unidentified firearm, leading to a shootout that lasted approximately five minutes.
Once the gunfire subsided, authorities conducted a search of the area and discovered the methamphetamine pills concealed in banana groves, packed in 11 backpacks. The suspects managed to escape. Initial investigations indicate that the drug trafficking ring may have attempted to exploit the New Year's holiday period to smuggle the drugs amidst the influx of tourists.