Bangkok: "Nong Thien," a woman recently released from a 20-day imprisonment in Japan, has come forward with details about her ordeal, revealing suspicions about her employer's unusual language. She has declared she will no longer engage in smuggling jobs. The Narcotics Suppression Bureau has arrested a Vietnamese national involved in the financial transactions of the operation, which has an annual turnover exceeding 12 million baht. The operation's ringleader has evaded capture and is being actively pursued by authorities, who are broadening their investigation to uncover more members of the gang.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Achayon Kraithong of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau disclosed that a Thai woman was detained at Fukuoka Airport, Japan, on July 12th. She was caught carrying methamphetamine concealed in instant coffee sachets among other items like tea, chili paste, and canned fish. The news of her arrest reached Thailand weeks later, prompting a collaborative investigation by the Narcotics Suppression Bureau and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). The investigation, which involves multiple countries, has identified the operation as being orchestrated by an international drug trafficking gang.
The timeline of events indicates that Nong Thien was scheduled to travel to Japan on July 11th, carrying a package sent by an account named ING ING. This was not the first shipment; a similar one had been sent in May. Investigations identified ING ING as a Vietnamese national named Bang. He had entered Thailand on July 8th and purchased goods in Bang Kapi, which were sent to Nong Thien's residence. Further financial scrutiny revealed Bang's coordination with another Vietnamese national, Thang, who managed the operation's finances. The investigation led to Ms. Ho, who facilitated money transfers using a Thai bank account. Ms. Ho has been arrested and is currently in custody, though she partially denies the allegations, claiming she acted under Bang's instructions without personal gain.
The investigation also uncovered familial ties within the operation. Ms. Ho is married to Mr. Nguyen, the younger brother of Mr. Thang, who resides in Vietnam. Mr. Nguyen, currently in Thailand, has been summoned for questioning as a witness, with no evidence yet linking him to the crime. The main perpetrator, Mr. Bang, remains at large after fleeing the country.
Authorities have also questioned a delivery rider, who unwittingly transported the package to Nong Thien. His cooperation has provided valuable insights for the investigation. Pol. Maj. Gen. Woraphot Disyabutr of the Narcotics Suppression Police explained that drug smuggling operations may involve either importing pre-packaged drugs or repackaging them in Thailand. The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact method used in this case.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Achayon emphasized the need for stricter enforcement by the Narcotics Suppression Bureau and ONCB. He warned the public against handling shipments without verifying contents, citing potential legal repercussions under customs and drug-related laws. He highlighted the deceptive tactics used by such operations, including using aliases and exerting pressure to expedite shipments, discouraging thorough inspection by the recipient.
Ms. Thien recounted her experience, explaining that she was contacted via LINE to deliver goods to Japan. Though she inspected the items and found them to be ordinary food products, the communication seemed off, as though translated from another language. She advised others against accepting pre-packaged goods, advocating for self-purchase and packaging to avoid legal entanglements. Reflecting on her incarceration, she expressed regret and uncertainty about engaging in similar activities in the future.