Authorities seized a large batch of 8 million methamphetamine pills in a Chiang Rai graveyard, revealing a smuggling route crossing the Mekong River from Laos. The drugs are suspected to belong to the "Loong Sae Lee" network and were intended for distribution in central Thailand. Investigators plan to expand efforts to apprehend the suspects involved.
On 1 Aug 2026 in Chiang Rai, reporters were informed that security officials have expanded investigations following the seizure of 8 million methamphetamine pills hidden in the graveyard of Ban Saowa, Village No. 3, San Sai Ngam Subdistrict, Theung District. The drugs were smuggled across the Mekong River from Laos before being held temporarily for transport deeper into Thailand. The case is linked to a drug trafficking network led by an ethnic Hmong financier currently hiding in Laos.
According to intelligence agencies, on 31 July 2026, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau 3, together with Ranger Company 3105, Special Task Force of the 31st Ranger Regiment, seized 27 sacks containing approximately 8 million methamphetamine pills at the Ban Saowa graveyard, Village No. 3, San Sai Ngam Subdistrict, Theung District, Chiang Rai. Relevant agencies jointly conducted the seizure and are urgently investigating to identify all network members involved.
Investigations indicate that the seized methamphetamine originated from production groups in Bunanako village, Shan State, Myanmar. The drugs were transported to Muang Phong area, then crossed the Mekong River into Ton Phueng and Ban Huai Sai in Bokeo Province, Laos. From there, traffickers used natural routes near Ban Huai Luek, Muang Yai Subdistrict, Wiang Kaen District, Chiang Rai, to smuggle the drugs into Thailand.
After crossing the border, the trafficking group moved the drugs from Ban Huai Luek, Muang Yai Subdistrict, Wiang Kaen District, through Ban Tha Charoen, Sri Don Chai Subdistrict, Chiang Khong District, via Khun Tan District and Phaya Mengrai District before storing them at Ban Saowa, Theung District, where authorities made the seizure.
Intelligence further reports that the network behind this trafficking operation is believed to be led by Mr. Loong Sae Lee, who is currently hiding in Laos. The network uses short-distance couriers from ethnic groups in Wiang Kaen District and Laos to transport drugs across the border. No information has yet linked any long-distance couriers to this operation.
Officials also revealed that the seized methamphetamine bears the "999" stamp, believed to be used by a pill manufacturing facility along the border villages. This factory reportedly receives meth powder from Bunanako village, Tum town, Shan State, and produces and stamps the pills locally, matching the seized drugs in previous cases.
Authorities are currently intensifying investigations to track down and arrest all members involved in the trafficking network to bring them to justice.