THE NORTH / HOUSE RAIDS
Police seize guns, grenades, drug trafficking link suspected
THEERAWAT KHAMTHITA

Chiang Rai _ Police yesterday seized rifles, ammunition and hand grenades believed to be for use in guarding drug trafficking caravans. The weapons were discovered in two houses in Ban Doi Hang, tambon Doi Hang of Muang district.

A police team led by Chiang Rai district police chief Pol Col Charan Rerngtham raided a house owned by Boonsri Sophon, 49.

The found an M16 and AK47 assault rifles, 54 rounds of ammunition and eight hand grenades, along with a quantity of marijuana.

Mr Boonsri was arrested and charged.

As the police expanded their search, a neighbour identified only as Jasor ran from his house, arousing suspicion.

When police checked Mr Jasor's property they found weapons hidden inside a hut.

The firearms, mostly rifles, were old but in useable condition.

Mr Jasor remains at large.

Mr Boonsri told police the weapons found in his house also belonged to Mr Jasor.

Police believed the weapons were intended for use by guards escorting drug traffickers in tambon Doi Hang and neighbouring tambon Mae Yao.

The area is close to the Burmese border in Mae Chan and Mae Fa Luang districts.

Bangkok Post