Border Patrol Rangers Engage in Intense Firefight with International Drug Trafficking Gang, Seize Nearly 60 kg of Raw Opium
Border patrol rangers engaged in a firefight with drug traffickers at Thailand's Mae Ai border, seizing nearly 60 kilograms of raw opium valued at over 2 million baht after suspects opened fire during an attempted escape.
Border patrol rangers from the Pha Mueang Task Force engaged in an intense firefight with an international drug trafficking network at the Mae Ai border, successfully seizing nearly 60 kilograms of raw opium valued at over 2 million baht.
On May 10, 2569, Pol. Lt. Saathit Waiyanont, commander of the Pha Mueang Task Force, along with Pol. Maj. Kiti Najhai, director of ranger control at Army Region 3 Operations Center, reported that Ranger Task Force 3207, coordinating with rapid mobile units and long-range patrol teams, intercepted an international drug trafficking group at the Ban Kok Wua natural pass (Nama Uen) in Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai Province, and confiscated a substantial quantity of narcotics.
Authorities had received intelligence warning of a planned large-scale smuggling operation moving drugs from neighboring countries into Thailand. At approximately 6:00 AM on May 9, while conducting surveillance in the target area, officers spotted a group of 5-10 individuals carrying backpacks moving through the mountainous forest. When officers approached to conduct a search, the suspects opened fire to create an escape route, resulting in a firefight lasting more than 5 minutes. After the gunfire ended, all officials remained safe, though the suspects managed to escape by exploiting their knowledge of the dense forest terrain.
At the incident site, officers discovered four modified backpacks containing raw opium in 36 blocks (approximately 1.6 kilograms per block), totaling 57.6 kilograms. Additionally, they seized 191 methamphetamine pills, one homemade firearm, communication radios, and ammunition. The raw opium is valued at 30,000 baht per kilogram in the border region, totaling nearly 2 million baht initially. However, if the shipment had reached Bangkok, its value would have doubled. Critically, raw opium serves as the primary precursor for heroin production, a dangerous narcotic with severe addictive properties that causes immense harm to families and society.
The Pha Mueang Task Force reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying patrols along the border in accordance with government policy and Army directives. Intelligence indicates substantial illegal shipments remain pending smuggling into the country. Authorities are appealing to local residents to provide information and lead tips to help eliminate these destructive criminal networks.
