PHUKET, THAILAND – A male air passenger arriving from Europe was arrested at Phuket International Airport after customs officers seized more than 3.1 kilograms of cocaine, which investigators viewed as part of a possible international smuggling route originating in Europe.
Route From Europe Triggers Customs Alert
The passenger landed on Phuket on 11 February after travelling from Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon with a transit stop in Istanbul, according to authorities. As part of an intensified anti-drug campaign, customs analysts flagged him as a high-risk traveller based on passenger data and ordered a search upon arrival.
Coordinated Operation and Seizure
The Customs Department reported the seizure on 12 February and stated that the suspect’s name would not be released for investigative reasons. According to Ekwut Na-ek, director of the Investigation and Suppression Division, the operation formed part of the customs strategy “Quick Big Win in Anti-Drug Trafficking”, which had tightened checks at all entry and exit points.
Hidden Compartment and Positive Drug Test
After the passenger’s luggage raised suspicions during X-ray screening, officers searched the suitcase and found a concealed compartment containing white powder. The substance was wrapped in blue carbon paper, which officials believed was intended to hinder detection by technical control systems.
Laboratory Indications and Street Value
A rapid test using ONCB 052 (cobalt thiocyanate) reagent turned blue, indicating cocaine, which Thai law classifies as a Category 2 narcotic. The total weight of the seized drugs, including packaging, was about 3.1 kilograms, with customs estimating a street value of more than 9.3 million baht.
Legal Action and Agencies Involved
The suspect and the confiscated narcotics were handed over to investigators pursuing charges for the unlawful import of a Category 2 narcotic under the Narcotics Code and for violations of several provisions of the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017). Units involved included the customs investigation division for Region 5, Phuket Airport Customs, the Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF), the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) and the Security Center of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters.
Message to International Smuggling Networks
Ekwut Na-ek stressed that customs would continue close cooperation with national and international partner agencies to dismantle drug trafficking networks and protect public and national security.
“Customs protects society, upholds its ideals, and works meticulously”.
said Ekwut Na-ek, director of the Investigation and Suppression Division of the Customs Department.