Chiang rai: Soldiers of the Pha Muang Task Force clashed with a drug trafficking ring along the Thai-Myanmar border, seizing over 200 kg of crystal methamphetamine.

According to Thai News Agency, the clash occurred this morning at approximately 7:00 AM. Soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Company, Taksin Task Force, Pha Muang Command, were patrolling along the Thai-Myanmar border when they encountered a suspicious group of 10-11 individuals walking along a mountainous path near Ban Lao Wang, a sub-village of Ban Mae Mo, Moo 7, Thoet Thai Subdistrict. The group was carrying modified sacks. When the soldiers identified themselves and requested a search, the individuals opened fire on the officers with unknown types and calibers of firearms, resulting in a gunfight that lasted over 5 minutes. After the gunfire ceased, all officers were unharmed, and reinforcements were deployed to secure the area.

At 8:30 AM, officials from related agencies inspected the scene of the clash and found 10 sacks of modified straw scattered in the woods. Inside were methamphetamine (ice), consisting of 2 sacks weighing 16 kilograms each, 4 sacks weighing 17 kilograms each, and 4 sacks weighing 33 kilograms each, totaling 232 kilograms. The seized drugs were handed over to the investigating officers at Mae Fa Luang Police Station, and a strong security operation was implemented to intercept further activity.