A man from Sangkhla Buri was arrested at a checkpoint on February 4 for attempting to smuggle heroin hidden in his pickup truck. The arrest took place at 3 p.m. in the Thong Pha Phum district of Kanchanaburi province, where police seized 15 bars of heroin, totaling 5 kilograms.
The suspect, identified as Aran, was traveling with his family in an effort to avoid suspicion. The vehicle, a white Toyota pickup with Bangkok registration, was flagged down by officers while traveling from Sangkhla Buri toward Kanchanaburi. Initially, no illegal items were found, but Aran’s suspicious behavior led police to conduct a more thorough inspection.
A hidden compartment in the truck’s rear was discovered, containing 15 bars of heroin marked with a lion stepping on a globe. Following the discovery, Aran was arrested and taken to the Thong Pha Phum Police Station.
During questioning, Aran admitted to smuggling the drugs from Phaya Tong Su district in Myanmar. He revealed that he had crossed into Thailand via a natural route near Ban Bo Yee Pun and was headed to deliver the heroin to a financier on U Thong Road, Kanchanaburi, for a payment of 50,000 baht (US$1,480). However, he was caught before completing the delivery.
Aran’s wife, mother-in-law, and 11-year-old son were traveling with him in the vehicle. Police are now investigating whether his family members were aware of the smuggling operation or involved in the crime. If they are found complicit, they will face legal action. Both Aran’s wife and mother-in-law were seen distressed after the arrest.
The investigation continues as authorities review the details of the smuggling route and the suspects’ connections to other trafficking activities.
