Phuket named as target in heroin network as police seize 65.5kg in Bangkok raids
Thai authorities said Phuket was among the intended distribution points in a heroin trafficking network broken up in Bangkok, with 65.5kg of heroin seized and three suspects arrested.
Phuket was among the major tourist destinations targeted by a heroin trafficking network disrupted by Thai authorities this week, according to the Central Investigation Bureau.
The CIB said it worked with the Crime Suppression Division, Immigration Bureau and the Royal Thai Police Anti-Trafficking in Persons Centre in an operation that led to arrests following raids in Bangkok and at the Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal. Police identified the suspects as Ms Kanyarat, Nigerian national Mr Chiadikaobi, and Ms Somporn.
All three face charges of jointly possessing Category 1 narcotics, heroin, with intent to sell without permission, for commercial purposes and in a manner deemed harmful to public safety and national security. Authorities said the network was smuggling heroin into Thailand for distribution in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket.
The investigation began after Nong Khai Immigration Bureau officers received intelligence about a Nigerian-led drug trafficking operation working with Thai women in Bangkok. Police said one Thai suspect had illegally crossed into a neighbouring country through a natural border route before returning to Thailand and checking into a hotel in Bangkok.
Investigators later raided the hotel and arrested Mr Chiadikaobi, who was allegedly found with 49.5kg of heroin concealed inside snack bags. The investigation then expanded, leading to the arrest of Ms Somporn at the Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal while she was allegedly attempting to transport drugs to Phuket. Officers seized another 16kg of heroin hidden in snack and pet food bags.
In total, officers seized 65.5kg of heroin with an estimated street value of more than B200 million. The CIB also warned Thai women about online romance scams involving foreign nationals who persuade victims to receive or transport packages across provinces or international borders, saying they could become involved in transnational drug trafficking operations and face severe penalties under Thai law, including possible capital punishment.
