Methamphetamine Seized After Northern Border Skirmish
Late on Saturday night, a government border force located in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai province clashed with a group of about 10 suspected drug couriers. Following a signal to stop for a search, the group opened fire, leading to a five-minute firefight. The standoff continued until the government patrol called in two teams for reinforcement.
At dawn, the troops cleared the area and discovered nine bags containing around 225kg of crystal methamphetamine, or ice. The seized drugs were handed over to Ko Chang police station for further legal proceedings.
Heroin Seizure in Southern Province
In a separate operation, Hat Yai police chief, Pol Caol Phum Banthip, announced the seizure of 272 bars of heroin at a press conference on Saturday. The bust occurred on September 16th when anti-narcotics police signaled a four-door Isuzu pickup to stop for a search at a checkpoint in Hat Yai district of Songkhla province. The pickup sped past the checkpoint, prompting a police chase.
The vehicle was intercepted at a petrol station in Na Mom district, approximately 10 kilometers away. A search revealed 100kg of heroin in seven bags, worth an estimated 50 million baht. The driver, Buraheng Samo, was arrested.
Additional Arrests and Confiscations
Information from Samo led to the arrest of Abdulfata Awae, who was found with a Ford pickup at a resort in Thepha district, Songkhla province. This second pickup had been used as a lookout vehicle. The suspects revealed that they had been hired by a woman named Rohaiya Che-ha, from Narathiwat’s Sungai Kolok district, to transport the heroin from Phetchaburi to Sungai Kolok. From there, the drugs were to be smuggled across the border into Malaysia. The suspects claimed they had completed six similar deliveries, earning 400,000-500,000 baht per trip.
On September 17th, police arrested Rohaiya at a house in Sungai Kolok, seizing six vehicles believed to have been acquired from the drug trade for examination. All three individuals were charged with possession of heroin, a Category 1 narcotic, with intent to sell.
In Summary
Following a gunfight on the northern border, authorities seized a large quantity of methamphetamine, while a separate operation in the southern province led to the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of a significant amount of heroin. Both cases highlight the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.
