Turkish man caught packing more than just bags at Phuket Airport
A Turkish man was detained at Phuket International Airport after airport security uncovered ammunition hidden in his luggage.
The man, Isa Ates, found himself at the centre of a dramatic scene, insisting he had no idea how the bullets ended up in his suitcase.
The incident unfolded yesterday, February 3, when eagle-eyed airport officials, conducting a routine security check, spotted suspicious items on an X-ray scan of a bag destined for Malaysia Airlines flight MH787 to Kuala Lumpur.
The initial alert was raised at Phuket’s bustling international terminal, prompting swift action from the police.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Kornphumiphot Pongsapaiboon from the Sakhu Police Station was immediately notified of the threat. He, along with Police Major Chamnarn Intanon, rushed to the scene for a closer inspection of the flagged luggage.
Inside the suitcase, officers uncovered 5.56 calibre M193 bullets cleverly tucked away within a green jacket. The luggage was registered to none other than the 29 year old Turkish man, who freely admitted that the suitcase and jacket were indeed his.
However, he staunchly denied any connection to the concealed ammunition, claiming he was as surprised as the officers to find such contraband in his belongings.
Despite Ates’ protests of innocence, the matter was considered too serious to overlook. The police had no choice but to charge him with possession of ammunition without a proper licence, a permit that, in Thailand, is not something one can easily obtain over the counter.
Ates was reminded of his legal rights before both he and the incriminating items were taken to the Sakhu police station to face further legal proceedings.
With the police now deep into their investigation, it remains to be seen how Ates will explain the illicit bullets weaving their way into his travel plans. As Phuket Airport incident continues to shake travellers and officials alike, one thing is clear: this is a story that won’t be leaving the runway anytime soon.
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