Thai authorities have arrested a woman involved in smuggling 206 grams of cocaine from the United Kingdom. The arrest occurred in Bang Lamung, Chonburi, after the drugs were hidden within international mail parcels.
The operation, led by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) in collaboration with Naval Intelligence and the First Naval Area Command, started on January 6. The authorities intercepted a parcel from the UK containing 104 grams of cocaine addressed to a British male resident in Bang Lamung.
On January 8, further investigation led to the confrontation of a Thai woman attempting to collect the package. During questioning, she admitted she had been hired by the British man to retrieve the drugs.
On January 9, authorities seized a second parcel containing 102 grams of cocaine, once again addressed to the same recipient in Bang Lamung. The ONCB is currently gathering evidence to issue a warrant for the British national involved in the smuggling operation.
These recent arrests follow a troubling trend at Thai airports, with five cocaine smuggling incidents in 2023 alone, amounting to 512 grams of cocaine from the UK. In these cases, the drugs were concealed in various products, including protein powder cans and deodorants.
This operation highlights the significance of international cooperation in combating drug trafficking and the determination of Thai officials to prevent the smuggling of illegal substances into the country.
