PHUKET, THAILAND – Police dismantled a drug smuggling network that hid methamphetamine pills in parcel deliveries to the island, seizing 197,800 pills worth about 10 million baht and arresting two suspects.
Major blow against parcel-based smuggling on Phuket
The Phuket Provincial Police reported that they had broken up a network that brought methamphetamine pills to Phuket concealed in packages. Officers seized a total of 197,800 tablets.
Authorities estimated the value of the confiscated drugs at around 10 million baht. Two suspects were detained during the investigation.
Coordinated investigation with narcotics authority
According to police, the operation was led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum, chief of Phuket Provincial Police, together with senior officers from several units. Involved were, among others, the Phuket City and Cherng Talay police stations as well as the Provincial Investigation Division.
The operation stemmed from a joint investigation with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). It followed a seizure in Satun on 30 March, when almost 20,000 pills were discovered inside air-cooler boxes sent via a private courier service.
Trail to Bangkok and identification of further parcels
Investigators traced the sender details back to Bangkok and then identified seven additional parcels destined for Phuket. This strengthened suspicions of an organized shipping route using parcel services.
On 2 April, teams monitored suspicious deliveries at courier depots in Phuket City and in Thalang district. This led to two separate seizures.
Phuket City find: Drugs in air coolers and “milk cartons”
In Phuket City, officers intercepted four parcels addressed to a tattoo studio. Inside they found methamphetamine pills hidden in two air coolers and in two boxes disguised as milk cartons.
A total of 97,800 pills was seized at this location. At the handover point, police arrested two suspects: Mr. Veerapong “Ton” Thongwisets and Ms. Chanidapha Pramongkit.
Charges against the arrested suspects
The two detainees faced accusations of possession and intent to distribute a Category 1 narcotic. In Thailand, police classify methamphetamine within this most serious category.
Authorities did not initially provide further details on possible masterminds behind the operation. Investigators planned to expand their work to expose the entire network.
Cherng Talay: 100,000 pills but no one claimed the parcels
In the Cherng Talay area, officers intercepted two parcels addressed to a local restaurant. Here too, the drugs were concealed inside air coolers.
Police seized 100,000 methamphetamine pills, but no one arrived to collect the shipments. Investigations were continuing to identify additional people involved.
Authorities warn of rising abuse of parcel services
Police stated that the action formed part of a broader crackdown on drug trafficking in southern Thailand. They noted a growing trend of traffickers using parcel delivery services to disguise and transport narcotics.
The investigation was set to widen in order to break supply chains and prevent further distribution.
“We will pursue every lead to bring those responsible before the court.”
said Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum, Phuket Provincial Police chief.