Task Force Chao Tak Seizes 245kg of Crystal Meth at Border

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

Security forces seized 245 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine and detained one suspect following an armed clash along the Sai River on the Thai–Myanmar border in Chiang Rai province. The operation disrupted a suspected drug trafficking attempt during the peak tourist season and led to the recovery of a large cache of illicit narcotics.

The area was inspected at about 10.30am on Thursday, 8 January, when Major General Sathit Wainon, commander of the Pha Muang Task Force, ordered Colonel Suphan Roi Phut, commander of the Chao Tak Task Force and related agencies to inspect the clash site. The confrontation followed an exchange of gunfire between troops and a drug-smuggling group near Ban Wiang Hom, Moo 4, Mae Sai subdistrict, Mae Sai district.

According to officials, the clash began at approximately 10.00pm on 7 January during a patrol by soldiers from Ranger Company M.3 of the Chao Tak Task Force. While patrolling to prevent offences under the Narcotics Act, troops observed around eight to ten suspicious individuals carrying sacks across rice fields near the border.

When officers identified themselves and attempted a search, the group opened fire with weapons of unknown type and calibre, prompting a gun battle lasting about five minutes. The smugglers then used their familiarity with the terrain to flee, while troops deployed reinforcements to secure the area.

At 7.00am on 8 January, authorities returned to inspect the scene and found no casualties. They discovered ten sacks containing Category 1 narcotics (crystal methamphetamine), each sack holding 20 blocks weighing over one kilogramme each, with a total stated weight of approximately 245 kilogrammes.

Security agencies coordinated further checks and detained one suspect hiding near the clash site. The suspect was identified as Mr Joi, a Myanmar national and he reportedly confessed to being part of the smuggling group.

Naewna reported that officials believe the trafficking network exploited the high tourist season to move drugs mixed among travellers, temporarily storing them near the border before distribution to other parts of the country. The commander of the Pha Muang Task Force has instructed all units to intensify patrols along natural border crossings and to expand investigations to identify those behind the operation.

Key Takeaways

• Thai forces seized 245kg of crystal meth after a five-minute gun battle near Mae Sai.

• One Myanmar national suspect was detained and confessed to involvement in the smuggling.

• Authorities are tightening border controls and expanding investigations into the network.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Naewna 2026-01-10