Thai anti-drug authorities have searched the accommodation of a 26-year-old Thai Airways cabin crew member after she was arrested in Australia on allegations of attempting to smuggle 1 kilogram of heroin into the country. Officers also questioned her boyfriend as part of an expanding investigation into the suspected drug trafficking network behind the shipment.
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The operation was confirmed by Ms Areepak Ngernbamrung, Deputy Secretary-General and spokesperson for Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). She said officers searched the woman’s residence and interviewed her boyfriend to gather evidence and identify the owner of the drugs as well as other people believed to be involved in the network.
The investigation follows reports from Australia that authorities charged the Thai airline employee, aged 26, after allegedly attempting to bring 1 kilogram of heroin into the country on 25 June 2026. According to the reports, the drugs were concealed among 12 pieces of luggage carried on an international flight.
Ms Areepak said investigators believe the suspect may have been entrusted with transporting the drugs to Australia by members of a trafficking organisation. She added that officers are collecting further evidence and working to identify and locate other suspects linked to the case so they can face legal proceedings.
Picture courtesy of Daily News
The ONCB also issued a warning to travellers heading overseas, urging them never to carry items or luggage on behalf of other people. The agency said international drug trafficking groups frequently exploit travellers by asking them to transport parcels or baggage containing concealed narcotics.
The agency warned that anyone found carrying illegal drugs across international borders could face prosecution for importing or exporting narcotics, even if they claim they were unaware of the contents. The reminder comes as authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged smuggling attempt and any wider criminal connections.
Daily News reported hat the case remains under investigation in both Thailand and Australia. Thai authorities said their immediate focus is tracing the source of the heroin, identifying additional members of the suspected network and gathering sufficient evidence for further legal action.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 30 June 2026