Chiang Rai:Two men sped through a checkpoint leading to a shootout with police, resulting in one fatality and the arrest of another. Police later discovered 4.5 million methamphetamine pills in the suspects' vehicle.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident began when a suspicious white SUV drove through a checkpoint at Mae Tho in the Mae Chedi Mai Subdistrict of Wiang Pa Pao District. The vehicle, heading towards Chiang Mai, was captured on partial CCTV footage at 00:27 AM on September 23. Authorities from the Chiang Rai Provincial Police, Mae Chedi Police Station, and related agencies pursued the vehicle, which eventually veered off the road. The two occupants opened fire on the officers, prompting a five-minute exchange of gunfire.
After the shootout, officers apprehended Mr. Wichian, 28, from Wiang Kaen District, who was injured and later died, and Mr. Ekaphong, 22, from Thoeng District. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 4,500,000 methamphetamine pills and two vehicles.
The operation was launched following a tip-off from a concerned citizen about drug smuggling activities between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai via the Mae Tho checkpoint. Officers had established a checkpoint and were monitoring the area when they spotted the vehicle matching the description provided.
Despite being signaled to stop, the driver accelerated, leading to the shootout. Authorities have detained the suspect, seized the evidence, and plan to prosecute at Mae Chedi Police Station. Efforts are underway to expand the investigation and apprehend other members of the drug trafficking network.