Large Shipment of Crystal Meth, Known as “Ice” Thwarted in Chiang Khong District of Chiang Rai

CHIANG RAI – Police, anti-narcotics officers and rangers from the Pha Muang task force have seized 14 sacks of crystal meth, known as “ice”, weighing nearly 300 kilograms and arrested six men and a 15 year-old boy.

Police said that officers and soldiers on Chiang Khong-Thoeng Road became suspicious after sighting a 10-wheel truck following a Toyota Vios sedan at approximately 3Am in the morning.

The vehicles were heading towards Thoeng district from the Lao border district of Chiang Khong.

Upon a search of the truck police found 343 sacks marked tea leaves, 14 of them instead contain crystal meth.

The driver of the truck was arrested and 5 men and the 15 year-old boy who were in the Toyota Vios were detained for questioning on suspicion of serving as lookouts for the shipment.

Authorities said they believe the crystal meth originated in Laos and was smuggled via Chiang Khong or nearby Wiang Kaen district, where there are typically fewer checkpoints.