Ivory Coast National Arrested for Smuggling Cocaine at Suvarnabhumi Airport

[webfact]

 

In a significant anti-drug operation, Thailand's Customs Department apprehended an Ivory Coast national at Suvarnabhumi Airport for smuggling cocaine worth over 4.9 million baht.

 

On November 14, 2023, Phanthong Loykulnant, the Customs Department's Advisor on Tax Collection and Development, revealed that this action aligns with the Thai Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin's aggressive anti-drug policy.

 

This policy mandates a coordinated approach across various agencies to combat drug production, importation, transit, and clandestine distribution, reported Siam Rath.

 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

The Customs Department has intensified surveillance afor illegal drug importation and exportation. Offenders are increasingly adopting diverse and subtle methods to circumvent detection. Analysis of past statistics, particularly under the Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF) initiative, underlines this trend.

 

This task force, a collaboration of several agencies including the Customs Department, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, and the Thai Armed Forces, aims to intercept drug smuggling through air travel.

 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

The arrest occurred on November 11, 2023. Customs officials at Suvarnabhumi Airport, in collaboration with investigative and suppression officers, identified a high-risk passenger on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

 

The suspect displayed suspicious behavior, prompting a thorough search of his luggage and person. Officials discovered 1,660 grams of Cocaine (Type 2 narcotics), ingeniously concealed inside his body by swallowing, valued at approximately 4.98 million baht.

 

This case constitutes a violation under Sections 242 and 252, in conjunction with Sections 166 and 167 of the Thai Customs Act of 2020, and the Narcotics Act.

 

The accused faces charges for importing Type 2 narcotics (cocaine) into Thailand and possession of the same, threatening national security and public safety.

 

Top Picture: Siam Rath

 

-- ASEAN NOW 2023-11-15

 

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[Pique Dard]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

an Ivory Coast national at Suvarnabhumi Airport for smuggling cocaine worth over 4.9 million baht.

...enjoy your stay in thailand, my friend!

[it is what it is]

8 minutes ago, Pique Dard said:

...enjoy your stay in thailand, my friend!

 

probably one of several mules on the flight, likely someone from a deprived background now paying a very high price for a bad decision.

[Skipalongcassidy]

Since a 10% loss is considered a cost of business... where are the other 9 "tourists" with their stash?

[sammieuk1]

And to think clowns then sniff this stuff up their nose a thought not to have before breakfast 🤔

[ChipButty]

Meanwhile the big guys get away, 

[klauskunkel]

Was he supposed to supply the other African dealers on lower Suk?

[swerve]

I wonder how much he was getting paid for this 1.66 Kg baht delivery. 

 

Cocaine is getting popular in Thailand.

[Countryman]

An Ivory Coast national travelling  on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

a well known smuggling route into Asia , they regularly catch mules on this route ,but they still

keep coming 

Edited November 15, 2023 by Countryman
Add on

[JulesMad]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

ingeniously concealed inside his body by swallowing

Very ingeniously!!! I am sure nobody thought of that before

[PETERTHEEATER]

He's lucky they did not charge him duty on his Virtual Reality headset.

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, klauskunkel said:

Was he supposed to supply the other African dealers on lower Suk?

A very small part of a very large supply chain.

[kcpattaya]

Well done. 
Instead of constipation medicines, leave him in jail for a week or two.
See what happens with the balloons bursting...