Two men detained for smuggling crystal meth worth 50 million baht
Two men have been detained for attempting to smuggle 54 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine on a flight. Police were astonished at their ability to evade airport scanners.
The suspects confessed to being paid 20,000 baht each to transport the drugs, which were delivered to them by a contact from Laos.
Yesterday, March 18, at the Provincial Police Headquarters in Udon Thani, several officials, including Udon Thani Governor Rachan Sunhua, Police Major General Suwan Chiaonawinthawat, and Tipawan Wangsanuwat, director of Udon Thani International Airport, held a press conference.
They announced the arrest of 42 year old Masabree Jema and 31 year old Natmee Sameang, along with 54 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine packed in three suitcases.
Police Colonel Anusak Sakdawatranon revealed that on March 16, Udon Thani International Airport officials scanned the luggage of two passengers. The scan revealed objects resembling explosives, and the passengers’ suspicious behaviour prompted a police inspection.
Inside the suitcases, police discovered the drugs packaged in green vacuum-sealed tea bags wrapped in aluminium foil, hidden within three suitcases. The total street value of the drugs is estimated at 50 million baht (US$1.48 million).
The suspects admitted they were each paid 20,000 baht (US$595) by a financier to transport the drugs to Udon Thani. They flew from Hat Yai Airport to Don Mueang Airport before continuing to Udon Thani Airport.
Upon arrival, a contact from Laos drove across the border to hand over the three suitcases, along with flight tickets, as arranged by the employer. This was their first time being hired to transport drugs.
However, police are sceptical of their statements. The use of thick aluminium foil to wrap the drugs suggests a sophisticated understanding of evading scanner detection, reported KhaoSod.
Additionally, opting for air travel to expedite the smuggling process indicates knowledge of drug trafficking operations. The police have identified the financier but cannot disclose the name at this time, as further investigations aim to uncover more accomplices in the network.
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