Bangkok: Customs, Border Patrol Police, and Airports of Thailand (AOT) have joined forces, deploying K9 dogs to inspect baggage at Suvarnabhumi Airport in an effort to prevent transnational drug trafficking.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Panthong Loykulnan, Director-General of the Customs Department, along with Pol. Lt. Gen. Rungroj Thakoonpunyasiri, Commander of the Border Patrol Police, and Mr. Kittipong Kittikhachorn, Director of Suvarnabhumi Airport, have launched an integrated cooperation operation. This initiative involves using scent enforcers to support the screening of baggage for international departing passengers. A live demonstration was conducted, facilitated by airline staff, allowing K9 scent enforcers and their handlers to screen passenger baggage effectively.

Mr. Panthong stated that this integration aligns with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's policy to prevent Thailand from becoming a transit route for drugs. Due to its proximity to major drug production areas in the Golden Triangle and its modern transportation infrastructure, including Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand is often targeted by drug traffickers. The large influx of tourists also presents opportunities for traffickers to smuggle drugs and other illegal substances, such as marijuana, to Europe and the UK. Customs agencies in several countries have expressed their appreciation for Thailand's efforts in intercepting illegal goods at their source.

With the initial deployment of only eight sniffer dogs, which proved insufficient, the Customs Department sought assistance from the Border Patrol Police to provide additional K9 units. Previously, concerns about tourists' perceptions and potential complaints prevented the deployment of K9 dogs in the airport passenger zone. However, offenders have shifted their tactics, prompting the Customs Department to intensify efforts by deploying sniffer dogs in the passenger terminal.

In practical operations, the Customs Department has received support from Suvarnabhumi Airport for X-raying suspicious baggage and facilitating arrests. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has taken over cases for further investigation, with cooperation from the Suvarnabhumi Police Station. High-risk passengers will be screened using risk management principles and PNR and APPS systems in collaboration with the Airports Authority of Thailand. This measure aims to deter future offenders while considering the limited resources and rest needs of the search dogs.