Police in Phrae have uncovered a heroin smuggling operation after nearly 5.8 kilogrammes of the drug was found concealed inside seat cushions destined for overseas shipment. The discovery has prompted renewed warnings for parcel forwarding businesses and members of the public to carefully inspect goods before agreeing to transport them.
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The case was disclosed by officers from Den Chai Police Station in Phrae, who revealed details of the seizure following an investigation that began on 15 May 2026. Investigators were alerted by an international parcel forwarding company after staff became suspicious of a shipment of 20 seat cushions that had been delivered for export.
The parcel company reported that each cushion weighed more than one kilogramme, making the total shipment unusually heavy. After opening the cushions, staff discovered white powder embedded in the fibre filling, with the substance falling out when the material was shaken. Police later confirmed the concealed drug was approximately 5,762 grammes of heroin, which was seized as evidence.
Investigators established that the shipment originated in Nakhon Phanom and had been arranged through a social media parcel forwarding service. The sender allegedly used a fake Thai identity card when dispatching the goods. The parcel company cooperated fully with police by providing communication records, payment information and shipment details to assist the investigation.
Den Chai Police warned that people accepting parcels for delivery, particularly those using online “carry” or forwarding services, should be alert to unusually high fees, sealed packages, excessive weight or requests made without clear information about the sender. Officers also advised against allowing others to use personal bank accounts or identities for shipping transactions and urged anyone who discovers suspicious items not to move or open them further before contacting police. Information relating to suspected drug offences can be reported to Den Chai Police Station or by calling the emergency number 191 at any time.
Police said the investigation identified that the suspect had used forged identification documents, but officers were able to obtain arrest warrants for two suspects.
Manager Online reported that authorities continue to investigate the wider trafficking operation and are working to identify any additional individuals connected to the smuggling network. Police have reiterated their appeal for parcel operators and the public to remain vigilant to prevent similar attempts to export illegal drugs.
Pictures courtesy of Manager Online
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Adapted by ASEAN Now MGRonline 3 July 2026