American woman caught smuggling crystal meth at Phuket airport
An American woman was arrested at Phuket International Airport for attempting to smuggle four kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine. Her travel route included a stop in Singapore, with her final destination being South Korea.
The arrest occurred yesterday, February 23 at 8.30pm, following a tip-off received by Police Lieutenant Colonel Korapoompoj Phongsaiphiboon, deputy inspector of Sakoo Police Station in Phuket, from the Head of Customs Inspection and Control, Adithep Nakvithoon.
The report indicated an overweight bag at the international terminal on the third floor of the airport, prompting an urgent investigation. Upon receiving the report, the chief of Sakoo Police Station coordinated with the investigation team to delve into the case.
Their examination revealed plans to smuggle drugs through the airport, prompting a review of passenger lists on Scoot airline flight TR653, departing on February 23 from Phuket to Changi Airport in Singapore, with South Korea as the final destination.
At approximately 8.30pm, a passenger was flagged as a high-risk individual for drug trafficking. The suspect checked in her luggage, which was subjected to inspection. She identified the suitcase as hers and opened it for examination. Inside, clothes, four sets of bed linen, and other personal items were found.
A detailed inspection of the bed linen revealed an unusually heavy weight of 4.3 kilogrammes. Upon further investigation, rectangular packages wrapped in brown tape, carbon paper, brown paper, and clear plastic were discovered.
Inside the packages, a white crystalline substance was found. Chemical testing confirmed the substance as a type 1 narcotic, methamphetamine (ice). Officials charged her with possession and attempting to export a type 1 narcotic, without authorisation.
The suspect, along with the seized evidence, was handed over to investigators to proceed with legal action, reported KhaoSod.
In similar news, a British man caused a scene at Phuket International Airport on February 18 after allegedly dropping a bag of cocaine while rolling on the floor in a frantic outburst.
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