Another 100 kg’s of ice picked up off the Mekong, this time in Ubon.
When: September 20th, 2020
Where: Ubon Ratchathani province, Khemmarat district
Perpetrators: 5 smugglers, unknown
Victims: Low-level druggies looking for their next hit
What: 100 kilograms of ice floated across the Mekong from Laos to Thailand, this time landing in Ubon Ratchathani, Khemarat district. Naval officers, Royal Thai Police, and the Thai army exchanged fire with the smugglers on the banks of the Mekong.
They found the white stuff hidden away in sacks of fertilizer, a popular stash spot for smugglers. M16 and 9-mm casings were found alongside the crystal. This crew meant business and they did get away.
My take: This bust happened just down river from the one in Mukdahan back in late February. Same setup: 5 smugglers, long boat from Laos to the Thai side, the ice stuffed in fertilizer bags.
This bunch seemed more daring, as they opened fire on Thai army, navy, and police. As predicted, this route will be hot and busy going forward. Keep an eye on this space for more action.
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