Come on, how dumb do you have to be to try this in Thailand?
In a major drug bust at Chiang Mai International Airport, Thai authorities have arrested five foreign nationals attempting to smuggle nearly 120 kilograms of dried cannabis out of the country.
The arrests highlight that not only Koh Samui Airport but also Chiang Mai International serves as a channel for foreigners attempting to smuggle cannabis abroad, with the latest suspects bound for London and Brussels.
Police Lieutenant General Krittapol Yisakhon, Commander of Police Region 5, announced the results of the joint operation between police and Chiang Mai customs officials during a press conference on March 19. The five separate arrests occurred on March 17 at the international departure baggage screening point inside Chiang Mai International Airport.
Details of the Arrests
Case 1: At 3:15 PM, a 26-year-old British male suspect with a flight from Chiang Mai connecting through Singapore to London Gatwick Airport was caught attempting to smuggle cannabis in his suitcase. Authorities seized 22 bags of cannabis flowers weighing approximately 23.4 kilograms, valued at about 234,000 baht ($6,956).
Case 2: At 4:30 PM, a 53-year-old British male on the same flight was apprehended with an identical amount: 22 bags of cannabis flowers weighing about 23.4 kilograms in one suitcase, with the same estimated value.
Chart showing the routes that five foreigners – three British and two American nationals – planned to use for smuggling dried cannabis from Chiang Mai Airport to the UK and Belgium.
Case 3: At 4:40 PM, a 28-year-old American woman traveling from Chiang Mai via Singapore to Brussels Airport in Belgium was caught with 22 bags of cannabis flowers in her suitcase, weighing approximately 23.7 kilograms and valued at 237,000 baht ($7,045).
Case 4: Also at 4:40 PM, a 20-year-old American woman on the same flight as the suspect in Case 3 was found with 19 bags of cannabis flowers in her luggage, weighing approximately 20.8 kilograms and valued at about 208,000 baht ($6,183).
Case 5: At 6:00 PM, a 32-year-old British male with a flight from Chiang Mai connecting through Hong Kong to London Heathrow Airport was arrested attempting to smuggle cannabis in two suitcases. Authorities seized 44 bags weighing approximately 28.6 kilograms, valued at about 286,000 baht ($8,500).
Suspect Testimonies and Total Seizure
All suspects claimed they were hired to transport the suitcases, which were given to them by others. Their role was to check in the luggage for flights departing Thailand for the United Kingdom and Belgium.
In total, authorities seized cannabis flowers sealed in clear plastic bags weighing approximately 119.9 kilograms, with an estimated value of 1,199,000 baht ($35,642).
Police Lieutenant General Krittapol noted that prior to these arrests, officials had detected attempts to smuggle cannabis flowers in luggage on international flights from various airports, including Chiang Mai, Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, and Koh Samui. As a result, police and related agencies have intensified surveillance and baggage inspections, particularly targeting passengers showing indicators of potential cannabis smuggling
Source: Khaosod English