Troops clash with drug smugglers twice in one night seizing large meth stash

Troops seized a large meth stash as they clashed with suspected drug smugglers in two separate gunfights overnight in northern Thailand.

The Pha Muang Task Force was patrolling a mountain trail in Chiang Rai on July 13, following reports about cross-border drug trafficking in the area.

They encountered four to five men carrying suspicious sacks through the forest at around 9:40 pm local time.

But when ordered to stop for a search, the group allegedly opened fire, sparking a five-minute gun battle before fleeing into the dense woodland.

Reinforcements secured the area before officers recovered five modified sacks containing around one million methamphetamine pills. The drugs were handed over to Mae Fah Luang Police Station.

Hours later, at around 5 am on July 14, troops on patrol intercepted six to seven suspected smugglers carrying bags after allegedly crossing the Ruak River from a neighbouring country.

The soldiers again ordered the group to stop, but the suspects reportedly opened fire, triggering another five-minute exchange of gunfire before escaping.

Following the clash, troops requested reinforcements from two additional units to secure the area.

Authorities said there were no casualties.

In total, 80 kilogrammes (176 pounds) of meth were seized in the operations. The narcotics were handed over to Koh Chang Police Station for further legal action.

Major General Sathit Waiyanon, commander of the Pha Muang Task Force, said he has ordered units in the area to continue intensifying efforts to intercept drug trafficking along the border.

Thailand has become a notorious hub for drug production and trafficking. In the north of the country, the ‘Golden Triangle' area shares borders with Laos and Myanmar, and has produced large amounts of opium since the 1950s but focus in recent years has shifted to the more profitable methamphetamine.

Officials believe most of the meth is produced in the Shan State of Myanmar before being distributed through neighbouring countries where prices are higher before ending up in the most expensive markets of Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore.

However, cracking down on drug production has been complicated by the influx of crime gangs from China and the Burmese civil war, which has seen the army take over the country - along with control of lucrative drugs chains.