BANGKOK – The problem of drug trafficking by transnational criminal networks using Thailand as a transit point to third countries continues to be found, via international parcel delivery, air cargo, and sea freight.
On May 15, officials from the Thai Narcotics Suppression Bureau, together with Mr. Tung Yu-Kuang from the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau (MJIB), announced the seizure of 14.8 kilograms (40 bars) of heroin hidden in 2 ice shaving machines, prepared to be shipped to Taiwan.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurath Lakboon, secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), said that the heroin was concealed in two ice shaving machines (58 x 48 x 71 cm) with medium-sized iron boxes inside to hide the drugs, ready to be sent to Taiwan via air cargo (shipping cost: 22,000 baht).
The arrest stemmed from an expanded investigation following a previous bust on April 25, where the ONCB, in collaboration with the Seaport Interdiction Task Force (SITF), seized 320 kilograms of ketamine hidden in a steel robot base, destined for Taiwan via sea cargo.
One suspect was arrested. The ONCB then closely coordinated with the MJIB until May 14, when they received information that individuals in a drug network were preparing to send drugs to Taiwan. They inspected a suspected shipping company office in Bangkok.
The 14.8 kilograms of heroin seized this time, if smuggled and sold in Taiwan, would have a total retail price of approximately 100 million baht, 8-10 times higher than the price in Thailand. Authorities will gather evidence to prosecute those involved.
In fiscal year 2024 (Oct. 2023 – present), under the cooperation project with the Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF), there were 80 cases of arrests/seizures, 74 suspects, and seizures of 24,311 yaba pills, 43.20 kilograms of ice, 63.76 kilograms of heroin, 33.86 kilograms of cocaine, 3.2 kilograms of ketamine, and 14 ecstasy pills. The main export destinations were Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Malaysia, and South Korea.
The ONCB, therefore, emphasizes cooperation with AITF and SITF, which are frontline operational units in intercepting drugs entering the interior and being exported to third countries. This time, they thanked the MJIB for their cooperation.
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Related article: Thailand, Australia and Taiwan Seize 320 KG of Ketamine Hidden in Robot Bases
