Phetchaburi:Two members of a drug trafficking gang were killed in a shootout with authorities while attempting to smuggle 500 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine from the north to the south.

According to Thai News Agency, the incident occurred in a vacant lot beside Highway 4 in Bang Khem Subdistrict, Khao Yoi District, Phetchaburi Province. The suspect's vehicle was found stationary, with three bullet holes in the driver's side window. Next to the car was the body of Mr. Chatrin, 27 years old, with an 11mm pistol found near his right hand. Approximately 30 meters away from the rear of the car, another body, that of Mr. Rungarun, 27 years old, was found, along with a 9mm pistol.

A search of the suspect's vehicle revealed more than 10 large cardboard boxes packed tightly inside. Upon inspection, they were found to contain methamphetamine, weighing a total of 500 kilograms. The arrest stemmed from intelligence gathered by the Narcotics Suppression Police indicating a large quantity of narcotics was being transported to the southern region.

Officers deployed to the area and staked out a suspicious vehicle and two suspects. Upon identifying themselves and attempting to apprehend the suspects, the suspects opened fire, prompting a 10-minute shootout in which both suspects were killed. Police said the network's modus operandi involved transporting drugs from the north to the south, stopping at various locations to allow hired couriers to drive from there to another designated meeting point. Authorities are accelerating investigations to identify and prosecute all individuals involved According to law.