The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has confiscated 2,989 grams of the category 1 drug, mephedrone, concealed within a protein powder container shipped from abroad. The operation culminated in the arrest of a Maldives national who attempted to collect the suspicious package from a transport company in Bangkok. Police Lieutenant General Panurat Lakboon, Secretary-General of the ONCB, revealed details of the seizure and arrest at a press briefing, on November 14.

 

The ONCB’s Anti-Narcotics Division has been intensifying its efforts to track and combat drug smuggling networks. This recent investigation builds on a prior case from June 28, 2024, when authorities seized 840 grams of mephedrone hidden in coffee capsules from an international shipment originating in Poland. In that case, a Russian suspect was apprehended in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, where further searches of his residence led to the discovery of ecstasy (MDMA), cocaine, ketamine, and 300 grams of a suspicious substance.

 

Police Lt. Gen. Panurat noted that the ONCB’s specialised anti-drug team, led by Director Prain Mekhanun, has been closely monitoring the activities of transnational drug trafficking networks attempting to introduce new narcotics into Thailand. Mephedrone, classified as a category 1 drug, produces effects similar to MDMA, and can be consumed through inhalation, injection, or encapsulation. Originally detected by the ONCB’s Drug Research and Testing Institute about five years ago, mephedrone is now strictly regulated, with rare occurrences in the country.

 

The ONCB remains steadfast in monitoring and intercepting drug shipments from international sources, especially as traffickers continually adapt their methods to avoid detection.

 

Picture courtesy of ONCB

-- 2024-11-15

 

You're nicked... and good riddance