Bangkok: ONCB arrests two foreigners with 210 grams of MDMA concealed in international parcels; further investigation finds 36 kilograms of cannabis and 1.4 kilograms of cannabis resin, ready to be sent to England.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat Lakboon, Secretary-General of the ONCB, along with Mr. Prin Mekanan, Director of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, and other officials, announced the arrest of two foreign suspects, one British and one Dutch. They were found with 210 grams of MDMA hidden in an international parcel. Further searches of two residences uncovered 36 kilograms of cannabis, packaging equipment, a vacuum sealer, and export documents ready for shipment to the UK. The parcels were misleadingly labeled as containing pillows and three bottles of cannabis resin weighing approximately 1.4 kilograms. The suspects face charges related to the possession and attempted exportation of Category 1 and Category 5 narcotics, violating various sections of the Customs Act B.E. 2560 and
related health and trade regulations.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat noted that the initial arrest followed the seizure of a parcel from England containing MDMA on November 4, 2024. This led to a coordinated effort involving the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, Customs Department, and the Royal Thai Army under the AITF task force. The investigation identified the parcel’s recipients at a condominium in the Sathu Pradit area. The subsequent arrest and searches revealed additional narcotics and equipment prepared for export.
The Secretary-General highlighted concerns raised by British authorities regarding increased cannabis smuggling from Thailand to the UK. The ONCB, responding to these concerns, has stepped up efforts to monitor and prevent drug smuggling. Collaborative measures with various agencies aim to curb the trafficking of illegal substances and controlled medicinal plants like cannabis.
The ONCB’s enhanced inspection capabilities have led to other arrests, including three Malaysian suspects caught with larg
e quantities of cannabis at Suvarnabhumi Airport while attempting to travel to Italy and England. Further discussions with British authorities are planned to address crimes involving British nationals in Thailand, focusing on the trafficking of MDMA and cannabis between the two countries.