BANGKOK: Thai soldiers killed six suspected drug smugglers in a shoot-out in a jungle in northern Thailand, officials said Tuesday.

The incident took place near the “Golden Triangle” – where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet – long a hub for smuggling despite repeated crackdowns.

Army officials said rangers encountered a group of 15 to 20 men in Fang district before dawn on Monday as they crossed the border from Myanmar.

The Pha Muang Task Force, which monitors six border provinces, said six alleged smugglers were killed after an exchange of gunfire.

The army said soldiers searched 19 backpacks belonging to the men and discovered 300 kilograms (660 pounds) of ketamine and three guns.Last month, Thai soldiers killed 15 alleged drug smugglers near the Myanmar border.

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Officials said they opened fire after being attacked by the group, later discovering they were carrying crystal methamphetamine, a highly addictive stimulant often produced in Myanmar and shipped through Thailand and Laos for export around Asia.

Authorities across Southeast Asia have made record meth seizures in recent years.