Thai border security forces reported that they intercepted a drug- trafficking gang and a 10minute shoot-out occurred along the Thai- Shan State border, killing 15 gang members according to a report in the Chiang Mai News.

Thai border security were conducting inspections at Mumt Pin Gate No.12 in Phan township of Chiang Mai municipality (opposite side of Poung Par Khem sub-township of Mongton township in eastern Shan State) on the early morning of December 8.

The drug smuggling gang, composed of more than 20 men, infiltrated through theforest passages on the Myanmar side.

When Thai security forces went to check after the shooting, they found 15 bodies of gang members.

In addition to ‘Ice’ drugs also known as “Ya Ba” in Thailand, 29 backpacks containing various large and small weapons were also seized.

Thai security forces have increased their strength and are spreading the search and hoping to round up other gang- members hiding in the jungle that straddles the border of Chiang Mai, News reported.