Myanmar Driver Held With Drugs at Mae Sai Border

Thai authorities have seized a cross-border drug shipment after stopping a three-wheeled vehicle at the Mae Sai Border Customs Checkpoint No. 1 in Chiang Rai province on 5 July 2026. Officers discovered more than 100 kilogrammes of ketamine and around 600,000 methamphetamine tablets hidden inside a load that had been declared as empty plastic baskets.

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The operation involved officials from Mae Sai Customs Checkpoint No. 1, Customs Suppression Region 3, the Mae Sai Customs Suppression Unit, Chiang Rai Immigration Police, the Pha Muang Task Force and officers from Mae Sai Police Station. The vehicle, which carried registration from Shan State in Myanmar, was entering Thailand when it was selected for inspection.

The driver was identified as 42-year-old Tun Teng Oo, a Myanmar national. Following the discovery, officers detained the suspect along with the vehicle and all seized drugs before transferring them to Mae Sai Customs Checkpoint No. 2 for a detailed inspection and inventory.

Authorities have initially charged the suspect with importing goods into Thailand without completing customs procedures, as well as illegally bringing Category 1 and Category 2 narcotics into the kingdom. He was later handed over, together with the evidence, to investigators at Mae Sai Police Station for legal proceedings.

The seizure represents one of the larger drug interceptions at the border and highlights continued efforts by Thai authorities to disrupt cross-border narcotics trafficking. Multiple agencies worked together in the operation, reflecting ongoing cooperation to monitor and intercept illegal shipments entering the country.

Khaosod reported that investigators are continuing to question the suspect as part of efforts to identify others involved. Officials said the investigation will be expanded to trace accomplices and dismantle the wider cross-border drug trafficking network believed to be linked to the shipment.

Picture ps courtesy of Khaosod

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 6 July 2026

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