Authorities in Chiang Rai arrested four Chinese nationals and seized a large quantity of methamphetamine, in separate operations during overnight patrols along the Mekong River, officials said on 4 May 2026. The suspects were detained for illegal entry, while officers also intercepted a major drug shipment believed to contain up to 2 million pills.
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The operation was carried out by the Mekong Riverine Security Unit in Chiang Rai under the command of Capt Phakorn Manee-am. Patrols were intensified along the Thai-Lao border overnight between 3 and 4 May, targeting both illegal crossings and drug trafficking routes.
At around 19:30 on 3 May, a patrol led by Lt Cmdr Worawit Noppakao identified four suspicious men near the Mekong riverbank in Ban Pong Khong, Mae Ngoen subdistrict, Chiang Saen district. Upon inspection, the men were confirmed to be Chinese nationals who had crossed illegally from a neighbouring country and were unable to speak Thai.
Officers found more than 50 mobile phones in their possession. The suspects were handed over to Chiang Saen immigration police and charged with illegal entry, while authorities began examining the phones for links to transnational criminal networks.
Later, at approximately 22:30, the same patrol continued operations near a riverside grass area in Ban Ko Pha Kham, Ban Saeo subdistrict. Officers discovered multiple sacks and black plastic bags concealed in vegetation along a bend in the Mekong River.
Initial inspection revealed the sacks contained methamphetamine tablets, totalling 14 bags. Authorities estimate the haul at between 1.4 and 2 million pills, believed to have been staged by traffickers awaiting onward transport into inner areas.
The seizures highlight ongoing efforts to disrupt cross-border drug trafficking networks operating along the Mekong. The discovery of a large quantity of mobile phones alongside illegal entrants has raised further concerns about organised criminal activity in the region.
Rear Adm Narong Aemdee, commander of the Mekong Riverine Security Unit, and Maj Gen Sathit Waiyanon, commander of the Pha Muang Task Force, are scheduled to inspect the seized items in detail.
Naewna reported that further investigations are underway to determine the full extent of the network involved and whether additional suspects are linked to the seized drugs and detained individuals.
Pictures courtesy of Naewna
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Naewna 5 May 2026