Authorities are intensifying drug suppression efforts along Thailand’s border with Myanmar after uncovering new tactics used to smuggle illicit drugs.
Lt Gen Somjing Koree, Deputy Commander of the 35th Infantry Regiment, and his team conducted an inspection of drug suppression operations in Tak and Mae Hong Son on Tuesday. He revealed that army units have strengthened surveillance measures, particularly in Mae Hong Son and parts of Chiang Mai, prompting drug trafficking networks to alter their methods. As a result, these networks have shifted their routes to districts like Fang and Mae Ai in Chiang Mai, as well as some border areas in Chiang Rai.
From October 1 to December 16, local authorities seized 47 million methamphetamine pills during 44 arrests, which included nine confrontations in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Tak. This represents an increase of 11 million pills, or a 23.95% rise, compared to the same period last year. Additionally, authorities confiscated 2,357 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (ya ice), 140 kilograms of heroin, and 802.86 kilograms of ketamine.
In Nakhon Phanom, a combined military and police unit discovered a 30-liter drum floating in the Mekong River, which seemed suspicious. Upon further inspection, they found it was filled with methamphetamine pills. Capt Thanakorn Nalek, commander of the 2103rd Ranger Task Force, explained that security agencies were alerted, and a joint inspection led by Tha Uthen district chief Preecha Suengthong uncovered 108,000 meth pills inside.
According to intelligence from security agencies, the drugs were being transported from northern Thailand down the Mekong River to evade law enforcement patrols. The smugglers had packed the pills into plastic drums and placed them on fishing boats, releasing them into the river and relying on the wind to carry the drums ashore, thus deceiving authorities.
Lt Gen Somjing added that large quantities of illicit drugs remain along the border, with traffickers diversifying their transportation methods. Drugs are often concealed in modified vehicles, hidden within agricultural products, and moved in parcels, particularly in the lead-up to the New Year festival.
