Crystal methamphetamine is found in tea packages abandoned by fleeing drug traffickers in front of a store in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai on Friday evening. (Photo by Chinpat Chaimon)


CHIANG RAI – Border patrol Authorities have seized 20 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine outside a Tesco Lotus store in Mae Sai district.

A team of border patrol police set up surveillance near the Mae Sai branch of Tesco Lotus in tambon Wiang Pangkham on Friday after receiving information that a large quantity of illicit drugs would be delivered in the area.

At approximately 5pm, police officers spotted a white car with a Myanmar license plate arriving in front of the Tesco Lotus store. Shortly later, a black Toyota pickup truck arrived and stopped nearby.


Officers examine two fertiliser sacks abandoned by drug traffickers and find 20kg ofcrystal methamphetamine hidden inside. (Photo by Chinpat Chaimon)


Two men got out of the car and were seen carrying two fertilizer bags toward the waiting pickup, prompting police to emerge from hiding.

Upon seeing the officers emerge from hiding, the two men from the Myanmar vehicle quickly ran to their car, abandoning two fertilizer sacks on the ground. The pickup truck also quickly sped away.

Police chased both vehicles however they failed to stop either of the two vehicles.
Upon examining the abandoned sacks of fertilizer police found 20 tea packages, each of which contained one kilogram of crystal methamphetamine or “ya ice”.

The seized drugs were handed over to the Mae Sai police station and the investigation was continuing.

Chiang Rai Border Police Bungle Drug Bust in Mae Sai | Chiang Rai Times English Language Newspaper