Army Seizes 'Man U' Branded Drugs in Chiang Rai; 4x Increase Over Last Year

webfact · September 8

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

The military announced they had seized "Man U" branded methamphetamine in Chiang Rai. This year, the amount of seized methamphetamine is four times more than in 2023.

Major General Praphat Phobsuwan, commander of the Pha Muang Task Force and director of the anti-drug operations center, along with ONCB Region 5, held a press conference at 10:30 AM on September 8, 2024. They discussed two drug-related incidents in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, seizing 2.3 million methamphetamine tablets and resulting in the deaths of six suspects. This year's methamphetamine seizures have increased by four times compared to 2023. The "Man U" label found on the methamphetamine is just a brand mark for a specific group of customers and holds no special significance.

The first incident took place on September 5, 2024, when the 2nd Cavalry Company of the Tha Pha Daeng Task Force, conducting a patrol, noticed suspicious activity from 2-3 individuals near the forest at Ban Pha Taek, Mu 10, Wiang Phang Kham Sub-district, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai. When officers approached, the suspects fired at them, leading to a five-minute exchange of gunfire. The suspects fled, and the officers then secured the area.

The officers found five modified backpacks containing a total of 1,000,000 methamphetamine tablets. This quantity could have a street value of 150 million baht if it reached the inner regions of the country.

The second incident occurred on September 6, 2024, involving the 3207 and 3209 Ranger Companies of the 3rd Army's Operations Center. They were patrolling Ban Huai Nam Yen, Mu 4, Tha Ton Sub-district, Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai, when they encountered 7 to 10 individuals carrying modified backpacks. After another firefight lasting about 10 minutes, resulting in the deaths of six suspects, officers found 13 modified backpacks containing a total of 1,300,000 methamphetamine tablets, a homemade shotgun, a homemade rifle, shotgun shells, and AK-47 shells. All evidence was handed over to Mae Ai Police Station.

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

Comparing last year's data, with 18 gunfights, resulting in 34 deaths and the seizure of 42,609,536 methamphetamine tablets worth 8.2 billion baht, this year's numbers are notably higher. From October 2022 to the present, there have been 432 incidents, 449 arrests, and the seizure of 186,152,547 methamphetamine tablets, 268.1 kg of heroin, 1,438.3 kg of ice (crystallized methamphetamine), 197.1 kg of opium, and 29.3 kg of ketamine, totaling 29.668 billion baht. There have been 49 gunfights resulting in 35 deaths, highlighting the significant increase in drug trafficking activity.

The labelling of methamphetamine with the "Man U" symbol is merely for customer identification, similar to other symbols like "999" or "Apple." The authorities are continually working to curb drug trafficking, despite the challenging weather conditions and ongoing demands within the country. The situation is further exacerbated by instability in neighboring countries, leading to increased smuggling for financing and arming rebel groups.

-- 2024-09-09

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