National —
On November 6th, 2024, Pol. Lt. Gen. Panurat Lakboon, the Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), announced the arrest of two foreign nationals, a British and a Dutch man, who were caught smuggling 210 grams of ecstasy hidden in an international parcel.
Further investigations led authorities to search two residences, where they discovered an additional 36 kilograms of cannabis, vacuum-sealing equipment, and export documentation for shipping the drugs to the UK disguised as pillows.
Thai authorities believed the suspects intended to smuggle large quantities of drugs to the UK, using sophisticated packaging methods.
The two suspects (whose names were withheld by the police) have been charged with attempting to import and possess ecstasy (MDMA) without authorization, as well as possession of cannabis extracts exceeding legal limits under Thai law.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Panurat added that this case is part of a broader investigation into drug smuggling routes from Thailand to the UK, which have increased significantly in 2024.
The ONCB has been cooperating with international partners, including UK authorities, to strengthen enforcement measures and prevent drug trafficking.
Recent operations under this collaboration led to the arrest of three Malaysian nationals at Suvarnabhumi Airport, who were found with 89 kilograms of cannabis intended for Italy and the UK.
