Border Police Seize 4 Million Methamphetamine Pills in High-Speed Chase
Border Patrol Police seized 4 million methamphetamine pills during a high-speed chase in Chiang Saen district after the driver rammed a checkpoint and fled on Route 1016.
On August 12, 2025, at 18:30 local time, Border Patrol Police Headquarters announced the results of a major drug trafficking interdiction operation. Officers had received a tip from a local informant about a suspected methamphetamine shipment being transported in a white Mitsubishi Pajero with Chiang Rai plates along the Mae Sai to Chiang Saen route. Deputy Commander Rungsimun Songkharatham ordered the Chiang Saen Border Patrol unit, led by Lieutenant Thanavat Thipwattri, to set up checkpoints along Route 1016.
At 04:30 on August 12, officers spotted the target vehicle near Ban Pang Mo Phuang in Chiang Saen district. When signaled to stop, the driver accelerated and charged toward police, damaging a barrier before attempting to flee. Officers fired at the vehicle's tires and pursued it until the driver lost control on Route 1016 near Doi Sri Kaeo village. The vehicle struck a road median and came to a stop.
The driver, identified as Sane Phu, 30, from Mae Ngoen subdistrict in Chiang Saen, fled on foot but was quickly apprehended by pursuing officers. Police searched the vehicle and discovered 20 rainbow-colored bags containing 4 million methamphetamine pills concealed in the rear seating area. The suspect was taken into custody and charged accordingly. Police Commander General Rungroj Thakoonpunyasiri highlighted the successful integration of multiple agencies in preventing drug trafficking, stating that coordinated efforts across all divisions have proven highly effective in dismantling trafficking networks.