Pictures courtesy of Daily News.

 

Chiang Rai authorities have announced the results of a sweeping anti-crime operation that netted large quantities of illegal firearms and narcotics and saw the destruction of over 600 illegally modified motorcycle exhausts. The campaign, titled “Lock Down the City, Crush the Criminals, Dismantle Influential Figures,” ran from 14 to 26 June 2025.

 

Chiang Rai Governor Charin Thongsuk led the press conference alongside Police Major General Manop Senakun, Commander of Chiang Rai Provincial Police, officers from the 37th Military Circle, and the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC).

 

During the 13-day operation, law enforcement agencies carried out raids on drug-related targets, leading to the arrest of suspects in 126 cases, with 105 individuals taken into custody. Of these, 70 cases involved drug possession, while 56 were related to drug use.

 

Authorities seized:

 

• 8,088,233 methamphetamine pills

• 11.53 grams of crystal methamphetamine

• 116.66 grams of opium

• 10.1 grams of heroin

 

In relation to firearms, 71 suspects were arrested in 71 separate cases. Seized items included:

 

• 68 firearms, of which:

 

• 4 were legally registered (two 9mm pistols and two .22 calibre handguns)

• 64 were unregistered homemade weapons, comprising:

• 12 short-barrelled shotguns or flintlocks

• 52 long-barrelled rifles

• 225 rounds of ammunition

 

The crackdown also resulted in 177 individuals arrested under outstanding warrants, broken down as follows:

 

• 62 under the Computer Crime Act

• 39 related to online fraud and mule bank accounts

• 31 general criminal cases

• 5 firearm-related offences

• 36 drug-related cases

• 4 serious criminal cases

 

In an effort to combat youth delinquency and noise disturbances, officers also seized:

 

• 512 motorcycles and related parts

• Of these, 335 were modified motorcycles

• 620 illegal exhaust pipes were confiscated and ordered destroyed

Governor Charin stated that the campaign was launched in response to rising criminal activity and public complaints over safety concerns, particularly involving youth gangs, street violence and loud motorcycles. He stressed that law enforcement must take decisive action to restore public confidence and ensure safety in the community.

 

Police Major General Manop added that in the coming week, local police will sign Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with administrative officials at the subdistrict and village levels, as well as local government bodies, to collectively monitor and control motorcycle-related offences. He emphasised shared responsibility in eradicating such disturbances from communities.

 

The crackdown, officials say, marks a strong step toward improving public safety and dismantling criminal networks operating with impunity across the province.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-06-27

 

 

 

 

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

52 long-barrelled rifles

The gun the guy in the main picture is holding - how long is that barrel! What would it have been used for?

It reminds me of old pictures of duck hunters.

Its an old muzzle loader