Bangkok: The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has successfully intercepted a transnational Vietnamese network involved in smuggling heroin to Australia.

According to Thai News Agency, the operation began with the interception of an international outbound parcel at Suvarnabhumi Airport, where officers discovered 1.52 kilograms of heroin concealed within the package. This discovery led to an extensive investigation aimed at disrupting the network’s activities.

Pol. Lt. Col. Suriya Singhakamol, Secretary-General of the ONCB, announced that the agency had integrated efforts with the Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF) to dismantle the network. The investigation traced the heroin to a post office in a Lat Phrao shopping mall, resulting in the arrest of two Vietnamese men. Further inspections revealed 1.4 kilograms of heroin hidden in another package using the same method. Authorities arrested two additional Vietnamese accomplices nearby.

The investigation expanded to multiple locations in Samut Prakan and Bangkok. At a condominium in Samut Prakan, 2 grams of ketamine were found. Another condominium in the Lasalle-Bearing area of Bangkok yielded substantial evidence, including 75 grams of ketamine, 107 grams of ice, MDMA, ecstasy pills, cocaine, and nimetazepam, alongside packaging equipment. No illegal items were found at a third location in the Lat Phrao District.

The operation resulted in the arrest of five Vietnamese suspects and the seizure of 2.92 kilograms of heroin intended for export to Australia. A significant quantity of club drugs was also seized, intended for distribution in local entertainment venues and tourist hotspots. The Secretary-General emphasized the crucial role of coordinated intelligence and the AITF’s operational unit in effectively intercepting the drug trade. He plans to expedite coordination with Vietnamese and Australian authorities to further investigate the network’s command structure.