Chiang Rai —
At 10:00 AM on October 16th, 2024, Col. Anuwat Panyanant, the Commander of the Task Force Thap Chao Tak, Pha Muang Force, held a press conference regarding a confrontation between the task force and a drug smuggling group in Chiang Rai, which resulted in the seizure of over 126 kilograms of heroin.
The operation followed intelligence reports that a drug trafficking network was attempting to smuggle illicit substances from a neighboring country through the Mae Sai district, intending to transport the drugs further into Thailand.
The Pha Muang Force had been conducting border surveillance when, at approximately 1:30 AM on October 15th, task force personnel on patrol spotted a group of 5-10 suspicious individuals near the border.
When the officers approached to search them, the group allegedly opened fire, leading to a five-minute gunfight. The suspects eventually fled the scene, and additional reinforcements were called in to secure the area.
By 7:00 AM, authorities inspected the scene and discovered six modified backpacks containing 126 kilograms of heroin. The confiscated drugs were handed over to Ko Chang police for further investigation and legal proceedings.
Col. Anuwat confirmed that the drug smuggling network is linked to a minority group from a neighboring country. The heroin was likely intended for shipment through Thailand to a third country.
Furthermore, Col. Anuwat noted that the traffickers exploited the fact that many security personnel were occupied with disaster recovery efforts following recent flooding in Chiang Rai, but the Pha Muang Force had maintained strict border controls to prevent illegal activities.
