Police seize heroin worth 198 million baht in Nong Khai
Police in Nong Khai seized 19 kilogrammes of heroin concealed in facial foam tubes, destined for Australia, with the successful delivery potentially worth up to 198 million baht. Five suspects, four Thai nationals and one Laotian, were apprehended.
At 2pm yesterday, September 18, in a press conference held at the Nong Khai Immigration Office, Major General Piya-anant Tosakulwong, along with Police Colonel Kritchamongkut Buranaphakdee and other relevant agencies, announced the significant drug bust. The heroin, hidden in 180 boxes of facial foam, weighed approximately 19.8 kilogrammes and had an estimated value of 19.8 million baht (US$593,200).
Lieutenant Colonel Apichart Kontha, an officer from the Nong Khai Immigration, received a tip-off about a large drug smuggling operation. He promptly informed Police Colonel Kritchamongkut, who devised a plan with other agencies to intercept the contraband.
On September 4, officers observed a long-tail boat docking at the pier near Wat Kumpradit Temple in Phon Sa, Tha Bo district. The suspects were seen carrying bags to a waiting tricycle, which then headed towards the Nong Khai bus station. The police made their move and successfully apprehended all involved, seizing the heroin, reported KhaoSod.
In their confessions, the suspects admitted to packaging the heroin in boxes to be shipped to Australia. They revealed that this was their sixth attempt to smuggle drugs. If the heroin had reached Australia, its value would have skyrocketed to an estimated 198 million baht (US$5.9 million).
In related news, Thai police recently arrested three young people involved in a large-scale drug trafficking operation in Bangkok. Officers seized 600,000 methamphetamine (meth) pills and 45 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine (Ice), with a street value of over 9 million baht.
Vorawit Yanachinda, Special Branch Bureau Commissioner, along with deputy commissioners, received a report from Wasan Thawatchaiwirut, the patrol inspector, and Nattadon Bumrungsri, the patrol sub-inspector. The officers apprehended 30 year old Nan, 28 year old Wannipa, and 29 year old Jitravee, also known as Pu at 7pm on September 9.
