CHIANG RAI – Border Patrol Police, working with soldiers and local administrative officials, stopped a major drug trafficking operation in Chiang Rai during a nighttime chase. A suspect van lost control and plunged into a canal. Officers seized 6 million methamphetamine pills and arrested one suspect.
On January 24, 2026, Border Patrol Police stepped up anti-drug operations and successfully intercepted a meth trafficking network in Chiang Rai Province. After a tense pursuit at night, the suspect vehicle crashed into a canal, leading to a large drug seizure.
The case began when officers spotted a suspicious van with Chiang Rai plates. The vehicle was a target under surveillance by Border Patrol Police Region 3. It was seen on Highway 1326, traveling from Ban Rong Bua Thong in Wiang Chiang Rung District toward Ban Mae Pao in Phaya Mengrai District, Chiang Rai. Officers moved in and began following the van.
When the van reached Ban Mae Pao, Village 3, Mae Pao Subdistrict, Phaya Mengrai District, it sped up after the driver realized police were behind it. Officers identified themselves, turned on emergency lights, and ordered the driver to stop. The driver refused and fled at high speed, then lost control and crashed into an irrigation canal.
During the check, officers found one man, identified as Mr. Thong-ek (last name withheld). He opened the passenger-side door and swam across the canal to escape, but officers caught him. The driver managed to disappear into the darkness.
A search of the van uncovered 6,000,000 methamphetamine tablets. Police took the suspect and the seized drugs into custody for legal action. Investigators are continuing to track down other people connected to the case, including the driver who escaped.
Later, at Border Patrol Police Station, Company 327 in Mae Chan District, Chiang Rai, Lt. Gen. Rungroj Thakoonpanchasiri, Commander of the Border Patrol Police, held a press briefing.
Representatives from the military, local administrative organizations, and related agencies joined the announcement. Officials said the crackdown will continue to stop drug trafficking and reduce the spread of drugs in communities.
In a separate case, at about 4:40 p.m. on January 23, 2026, investigators from Mae Sai Police Station arrested Mr. Ritthikrai, a Chiang Rai resident wanted under multiple warrants. Officers also seized a large amount of drugs and several firearms as evidence.
Police acted after receiving information that the suspect was driving in Mae Sai District. They planned the operation, monitored his movements, and arrested him in Pong Ngam Subdistrict, Mae Sai District. The suspect tried to run during the arrest, but officers restrained him without incident.
Searches found about 59,420 methamphetamine tablets, 122.1 grams of crystal meth, one semi-automatic handgun, one revolver, and ammunition. The items were found on the suspect and at his residence, then taken as evidence.
At the initial stage, police filed multiple charges tied to the court warrants, along with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, carrying a firearm in public, and other drug-related offenses. The suspect was then handed over to investigators at Mae Sai Police Station for further legal proceedings.
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