Report Lao Woman Arrested for Attempted Smuggling of 137,000 Ecstasy Pills

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Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A 23-year-old Lao woman, Namwan Ketbunjan, was apprehended while attempting to smuggle a staggering 137,000 ecstasy pills into Thailand via the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Nong Khai. The pills have an estimated street value exceeding 55 million baht, equivalent to roughly USD 1.67 million.

 

Lieutenant General Boonsin Phadklang, Commander of the 2nd Army Region and Head of the Drug Suppression and Prevention Command, reported that the arrest followed a coordinated operation involving the Nong Khai customs department and security agencies. Their joint efforts focused on inspecting vehicles at the Friendship Bridge checkpoint located in Mueang Nong Khai district.

 

During this operation, officials stopped a silver Toyota with the license plate 1609 from Khamphaeng Nakhon at the checkpoint for personal vehicles. Upon inspection, they found 139 clear plastic bags inside, containing approximately 137,000 ecstasy pills. This new type of ecstasy, known as Molli dolls, comes in distinct colours: orange, purple, and green.

 

Following her detention, Namwan was handed over to investigators at Mueang Nong Khai Police Station for further legal proceedings. In her initial inquiry, she admitted that a Lao man hired her to transport the drugs. Her task was to deliver the vehicle to a designated car park at a central Nong Khai shopping centre, where someone was anticipated to take delivery of the pills. For her involvement, Namwan was promised a payment of 10,000 baht (USD 303) upon her return to Laos.

 

This arrest highlights ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking between Thailand and Laos, with authorities remaining vigilant at border checkpoints to disrupt the illegal drug trade.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-13