SOLDIERS from Pha Muang Task Force clashed with drug traffickers in Chiang Mai yesterday (June 8) killing two of them and seized a big quality of drugs while another team fought a different drug gang in Chiang Rai over the weekend and were able to seize 110 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, Naewna newspaper said.
The Chiang Mai team of soldiers who had been assigned to patrol high-risk areas along the Doi Chan natural route, just 4km from Doi Aun border crossing, during June 5-15 yesterday ran into a suspicious group of three to four individuals in this area and identified themselves and asked to search them. However the suspects immediately opened fire leading to a firefight lasting five minutes.
After the fighting stopped, troops cleared the area and inspected the site of the clash, a steep mountainous terrain. While none of the soldiers were injured, two members of the drug running gang were found dead at the scene while the others used their knowledge of the terrain and cover of darkness to escape.
Seized were approximately 200,000 methamphetamine pills (stamped Y-1), 1kg crystal methamphetamine, and two bundles of raw opium weighing 3.2kg.
Last Saturday (June 6) at approximately 9.30 p.m. a different unit of Pha Muang Task Force engaged in a fierce clash with drug traffickers in Chiang Rai’s Mae Chan district and while none of the suspects were apprehended, as much as 110kg of crystal meth was seized.
The operation was mounted after 3106th Ranger Company, Task Force 31, received a crucial tip about drug smuggling through a natural passage in Pa Tung subdistrict, Mae Chan district.
This team of soldiers spotted five-six suspicious individuals carrying bags as they trekked through the area. When they identified themselves and asked to search them, the suspects immediately opened fire with unknown types of firearms with a fierce gunfight lasting more than five minutes.
After the gunfire subsided, the drug runners used their knowledge of the terrain and the darkness to escape. None of the troops were injured and the team called for reinforcements to surround the area for safety.
At 6 a.m. on Sunday morning, soldiers cleared the area and found seven modified sacks abandoned there, containing approximately 110kg of crystal meth (Type 1 narcotics).
Maj. Gen. Sathit Waiyanon, commander of the Pha Muang Task Force, assigned Col. Suphan Roiput, commander of Taksin Task Force, to inspect the seized items with relevant agencies and brief the media about the details of this operation. The seized items were then handed over to Mae Chan police station for legal action and further investigation to apprehend the drug trafficking ring.
CAPTION:
The team of soldiers showing sacks of crystal methamphetamine they seized after the clash with drug traffickers in Chiang Rai, above, first below and Front Page, and a different team showing the drugs they too had seized after a clash in Chiang Mai, second below. All photos – Naewna
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