CHIANG MAI – Authorities have seized a total of 5.5 million meth pills that were being transported in a pickup truck from the Wiang Haeng area into the city of Chiang Mai. The suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene when they encountered a military checkpoint during the night.
Maj. Gen. Kidakorn Chantra, Commander of the Pha Muang Task Force, told reporters the incident took place along a route leading to Ban Paek Saem in Piang Luang, Wiang Haeng district, after he had directed teams to intensify their efforts against drug trafficking
At around 9.45 pm on Sunday, soldiers set up a checkpoint as part of their regular patrols. They spotted a suspicious pickup truck and signalled for it to stop. Three men quickly got out of the vehicle and ran off, taking advantage of the darkness and their knowledge of the area.
Soldiers searched the abandoned truck and found 30 rucksacks stuffed with meth pills. In total, they contained 5.5 million meth tablets.
The next day, Maj. Gen. Kidakorn Chantra instructed Col. Dechathorn Saiyut, deputy commander of the Chaiyanupap Task Force, and other officials to visit the site and brief reporters about the seizure.
All evidence was then handed over to Wiang Haeng Police Station, where further legal action is being taken.
The Chaiyanupap Task Force and Pha Muang Task Force have asked the public to help by keeping an eye out for drug-related activity in their communities. People who spot suspicious behaviour or know of anyone involved in the drug trade can call the Pha Muang Force hotline on 0-5321-1054 ext. 12, or reach the Chaiyanupap Task Force at 0-5311-4804.
Authorities say cooperation from locals is key to keeping neighbourhoods safe and protecting families from harm.