Chinese National Arrested for Smuggling 120kg of Heroin Hidden in Car Batteries: Nong Khai

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of the police.

 

Authorities seized 120 kilograms of heroin hidden inside car batteries and arrested a Chinese national in connection with the case. The illicit drugs, valued at approximately 70 million baht were being transported from Bangkok with a final destination in Nong Khai.

 

The operation, which took place at around 15:00 on December 18, involved multiple agencies, including Nong Khai Provincial Police, Immigration Bureau, Tourist Police, forensic experts, and military personnel. Led by Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Piratch Udompisutthikun, the team inspected 20 boxes containing car batteries. Each box held four batteries, and each battery concealed 8-9 packages of heroin sealed with cement.

 

The investigation began after a private shipping company near Nong Khai Railway Station reported a suspicious package. The company informed police that a Thai man had dropped off the package in Bangkok, acting nervously. Upon arrival in Nong Khai, authorities monitored the delivery point and observed a Chinese man checking the packages.

 

Police detained the suspect with the assistance of a Chinese translator. The boxes were disguised as alcohol shipments, but upon closer inspection, the batteries showed signs of tampering. Inside, authorities discovered the heroin.

 

During questioning, the suspect claimed he was hired by a Chinese acquaintance in Vientiane, Laos, to oversee the delivery and inspect the packages at the shipping depot. The drugs were intended to be smuggled out of Thailand and into Vietnam. Officials noted that the heroin’s street value could increase tenfold if trafficked to markets in the U.S. or Europe.

 

Authorities are continuing their investigation, gathering evidence and questioning witnesses to ensure all those involved in the smuggling operation are brought to justice.

 

This marks another significant drug seizure as Thailand intensifies its crackdown on narcotics trafficking in the region.

 

-- 2024-12-19