Bangkok: Another case of illegal cross-border smuggling has emerged, as a Thai woman, Ms. Jutathip from Nonthaburi province, faces detention in Japan after being apprehended at Fukuoka Airport. Methamphetamine was discovered concealed within coffee sachets in her luggage. Her mother asserts that her daughter was deceived, while her boyfriend is earnestly appealing to Thai authorities for assistance.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Jutathip's parents and boyfriend are deeply concerned, having filed a police report and sought media intervention to aid her situation. Mr. Sarawut, her boyfriend, explained that they work as personal shoppers for Thais residing in Japan. A Line group, "(Tian Tian Shop)," facilitated their operations. An account under the username "ing ing" requested them to transport 12 kg of sealed goods to Japan. The group departed on July 11th, arriving at Fukuoka Airport on July 12th. During customs checks, Ms. Jutathip was detained, and Mr. Sarawut and another friend were interrogated for hours before being released without further charges.
Mr. Sarawut recounted visiting the Fukuoka Consulate-General to ascertain Ms. Jutathip's status. On July 22nd, the consulate informed her family that crystal meth was found in a coffee sachet. Mr. Sarawut expressed shock and revealed that while most customers retrieved their goods, "ing ing" did not and blocked further communication despite having transferred payment. The family and Mr. Sarawut are imploring authorities to investigate further.
Ms. Jutathip's mother highlighted that the family was informed of her arrest on July 22nd on charges of importing methamphetamine. She immediately filed a police report, seeking CCTV footage from their village to identify the package's sender. Despite the family's acceptance of oversight in verifying the package contents, they assert Ms. Jutathip's innocence and urge relevant agencies to investigate potential connections to previously reported cases.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Atthapol Anusit has ordered an investigation into the matter, directing local police to examine CCTV footage to identify individuals involved in the incident.
In a related development, Suvarnabhumi Airport officials arrested an Indian male passenger arriving from Mumbai with 6,000 grams of ethomidate, a Category 2 controlled substance. The substance, valued at over 4.2 million baht, is now frequently found in illicit products.
Ms. Areephak Ngernbumroong from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) reiterated the warning against accepting or transporting luggage for others. Such actions pose risks of unknowingly transporting illegal goods, a serious offense internationally.