Authorities Seize 700,000 Methamphetamine Pills Following High-Speed Chase in Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai officials intercepted a drug shipment after a suspect vehicle fled a checkpoint in Mae Chan district.
On October 16, 2026, Chiang Rai provincial authorities, led by Deputy Governor Prasert Jitpleecheep, announced the seizure of 700,000 methamphetamine pills. The operation followed a high-speed pursuit in the Mae Chan district on the evening of October 15.
According to Khaosod Online, local officials and police had established a checkpoint on Highway 1089 in Tambon Tha Khao Plueak after receiving intelligence regarding a vehicle suspected of transporting narcotics. At approximately 9:40 p.m., a black Toyota Vigo pickup truck with Chiang Rai license plates approached the checkpoint. When officers signaled for the driver to stop, the vehicle accelerated, prompting a chase. The suspects eventually abandoned the truck and fled into the darkness, leaving the illicit cargo behind.
For residents and travelers in the region, this incident highlights ongoing efforts by security forces to curb drug trafficking along northern transit routes. While the seizure represents a significant disruption to local smuggling operations, the suspects remain at large. Authorities are currently conducting an investigation to identify the individuals involved. Travelers in the Mae Chan area should be aware that increased security checkpoints may be present as law enforcement continues their search for the suspects. Further details regarding the identities of the perpetrators are yet to be confirmed by the police.
