Chiang Rai Police Clash with Drug Traffickers 2 Dead, 4 Arrested

Two million methamphetamine tablets and 50 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, worth well over Bt650 million

 

CHIANGRAI – Chiang Rai Police have killed 2 and arrested four other suspected drug traffickers yesterday evening in Chiang Rai. Two million methamphetamine tablets and 50 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, worth well over 650 million Baht were found on their possession.

Informants told Chiang Rai Police that drug traffickers along the Myanmar border in Chiang Rai plotted to move a large shipment of illegal drugs through Chiang Rai’s Thoeng district.

Responding to a tip off, police had intercepted a tanker truck carrying the drugs, which was being accompanied by a motorcycle and a pickup. When the gang refused to stop, police gave chase and were fired upon by the suspects.

After a short chase, the pickup lost control and ran into the bushes on the side of the road.Both men in the pickup then exited the vehicle and began shooting at Chiang Rai police. The two men were killed when police returned fire.

Killed at the scene were two ethnic Hmong, Wadee Sukkasem, 28, and Tawee Techalertpana, 55.

The four suspects arrested were Yok Harnjirarattana, Jakrapong Jarernchaidej, Seksan sae Yam, and Yongyut Phetsakunprai.

Pol Gen Somyod Phumphanmuang, Deputy Commissioner, said that the confiscated drugs came from the Myanmar and were bound for Bangkok.