BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai immigration and customs officials have arrested a 71-year-old Latvian man, Guntars Lukstins, at Suvarnabhumi International Airport for attempting to smuggle 3 kilograms of heroin hidden inside metal pipes.
The arrest was made on June 23, following a tip-off from the Suvarnabhumi Airport Investigation and Suppression Division. Lukstins had entered Thailand from Laos on Thai Airways flight TG571, landing at approximately 3:20 p.m. on June 22, and was scheduled to fly to Malaysia just over an hour later.
During a search of his red canvas luggage, officials discovered what appeared to be a field bed. Closer inspection revealed 47 sausage-shaped packages wrapped in brown plastic, hidden within the metal support pipes of the bed. Tests confirmed the contents to be heroin, with a total weight of about 3 kilograms.
Authorities noted that Lukstins did not check any luggage on his inbound journey from Malaysia to Laos, but returned with a heavy 9-kilogram bag, suggesting he likely picked up the heroin in Laos. During initial questioning, Lukstins, who speaks only Russian, declined to make any statement regarding the drugs.
He has since been handed over to the Customs Department’s Investigation and Suppression Division for further legal proceedings.
Police Major General Choengron Rimpadee, head of Immigration Division 2, emphasized the importance of ongoing cooperation with neighboring nations to combat transnational crime, following directives from the National Police Chief and Immigration Commissioner.
Authorities are expected to release more information as the investigation continues.
