Thai Customs Arrest Australian Smuggler with Over THB 6.6 Million in Methamphetamine at Suvarnabhumi Airport
Joint operation leads to significant drug bust as authorities intercept a large haul of illicit drugs.
Thai Customs, in cooperation with airport authorities, have successfully intercepted a major shipment of methamphetamine, commonly known as 'ice,' at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.
An Australian national was arrested on Sunday, with the estimated street value of the confiscated drugs exceeding 6.6 million baht.
The operation was a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies stationed at the airport.
It was carried out at Concourse A, where authorities conducted an integrated intelligence and operational task aimed at addressing narcotics trafficking at the facility.
During a press briefing held shortly after the arrest, Customs Department Spokesperson Pantong Loykulnanta, joined by key officials from Airports of Thailand (AOT) and airport security, provided details on the operation.
This collaboration was crucial in successfully carrying out the arrest and drug seizure.
The Precinct involved in the investigation included the Suvarnabhumi Airport Passenger Customs Inspection Office and the Customs Department's Investigation and Suppression Division, along with local airport police and members of the Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF).
The AITF is composed of representatives from various agencies, including AOT, the Immigration Bureau, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), and the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB).
The arrest stemmed from an alert generated by Suvarnabhumi Airport security personnel, who identified a suspicious individual.
Subsequent X-ray scans of the luggage belonging to the Australian man revealed unusually dense items, leading to further investigation and eventual apprehension.
This incident highlights the ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to combat drug smuggling operations, utilizing advanced security measures and inter-agency collaboration to monitor and secure one of the country's busiest international airports.
An Australian national was arrested on Sunday, with the estimated street value of the confiscated drugs exceeding 6.6 million baht.
The operation was a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies stationed at the airport.
It was carried out at Concourse A, where authorities conducted an integrated intelligence and operational task aimed at addressing narcotics trafficking at the facility.
During a press briefing held shortly after the arrest, Customs Department Spokesperson Pantong Loykulnanta, joined by key officials from Airports of Thailand (AOT) and airport security, provided details on the operation.
This collaboration was crucial in successfully carrying out the arrest and drug seizure.
The Precinct involved in the investigation included the Suvarnabhumi Airport Passenger Customs Inspection Office and the Customs Department's Investigation and Suppression Division, along with local airport police and members of the Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF).
The AITF is composed of representatives from various agencies, including AOT, the Immigration Bureau, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), and the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB).
The arrest stemmed from an alert generated by Suvarnabhumi Airport security personnel, who identified a suspicious individual.
Subsequent X-ray scans of the luggage belonging to the Australian man revealed unusually dense items, leading to further investigation and eventual apprehension.
This incident highlights the ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to combat drug smuggling operations, utilizing advanced security measures and inter-agency collaboration to monitor and secure one of the country's busiest international airports.
