Delivery rider finds ketamine in phone box, alerts police

This morning, a motorcycle delivery rider in Samut Prakan, made a surprising discovery when he opened a package that was meant to be an empty mobile phone box, only to find it contained a sachet of the illegal drug ketamine.

The delivery driver received a call through his employer’s service system, requesting the pick up of a package from a customer in Soi Si Dan 5, tambon Samrong Nua of Mueang district. The sender handed over a mobile phone box, stating it was empty, and paid the delivery rider 200 baht for his services – 40-50 baht above the standard fee. The higher price only heightened suspicion for the keen-eyed rider, who decided to examine the box further before proceeding with the delivery.

Feeling the weight of the box raised his suspicions, the delivery driver chose to find a nearby petrol station to pull over and take a closer look at its contents. Upon opening the box, he found a sachet containing the illegal substance ketamine – a drug commonly used as a tranquiliser for horses but sometimes misused by humans for recreational purposes.

Concerned that he might be caught in possession of the drugs at a checkpoint, the driver decided to alert the police immediately. He contacted the Samrong Nua Police Station by phone to inform them of his unexpected discovery and subsequently reported to the station for further questioning. The police have since launched an investigation to track down the sender of the package, as reported by Bangkok Post.

This incident highlights the need for delivery riders to stay vigilant and exercise their discretion when handling packages. One can only imagine the potential legal consequences that the driver might have faced had he not decided to check the package before continuing on his journey. It is worth noting that while it is a driver’s responsibility to be aware of what they are transporting to some extent, it is unlikely that they would have full knowledge of every package they deliver. Ultimately, the use of common sense and instinct can go a long way in ensuring a safe and secure service for both the driver and the end recipient.

As the rise of e-commerce has led to an increased demand for delivery services, it is essential for riders, as well as service providers, to take necessary precautions to ensure the safety and legality of their work. Regular checks should be conducted to minimise the chances of illicit or dangerous materials being transported.

Moreover, this case also brings to light the role of customers and users of delivery services in practising due diligence when sending items, particularly when it comes to mislabeling and misrepresenting the contents of a package. The onus is on both the sender and the receiver to ensure that no illegal activities transpire during the transportation process.

The police investigation into the package sender is still ongoing, and the delivery rider’s actions have likely prevented an illegal transaction from taking place. In the meantime, this case serves as a reminder to delivery riders, delivery service providers, and customers alike that the need for vigilance, transparency, and cooperation is vital in maintaining the integrity of the delivery industry.

About a month ago, officers in Bangkok tracked down two food delivery drivers, 22-year-old Nethi and 21-year-old Raewat, who were arrested for allegedly transporting ketamine and methamphetamine to customers. The suspects reportedly confessed to smuggling drugs since April 2020, admitting to their involvement in drug trafficking for two years.