Report Latvian National Arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport for Heroin Smuggling

[snoop1130]

Photo via KhaoSod

 

A Latvian man was apprehended at Suvarnabhumi International Airport for attempting to smuggle heroin concealed in metal pipes. The arrest occurred today, June 23, following a coordinated effort between immigration officials and the Customs Department.

 

The suspect, 71-year-old Guntars Lukstins, had travelled from Laos on flight TG571, arriving on June 22. He was set to continue to Malaysia on flight TG417 shortly afterward. However, based on intelligence from the Suvarnabhumi Airport Investigation and Suppression Division, authorities were alerted to the smuggling attempt.

 

Upon intercepting Lukstins, officials searched his luggage and found a red canvas bag containing a field bed. Inside the bed’s metal support pipes, they discovered 47 packages wrapped in brown plastic, resembling sausages. Testing confirmed these packages contained approximately 3 kilogrammes of heroin.

 

Lukstins, who speaks Russian but not English, refused to provide statements regarding the smuggling operation. It is suspected that he acquired the drugs in Laos, as he did not have checked luggage on his outbound trip, yet returned with a 9-kilogramme loaded bag.

 

The suspect has been handed over to the Customs Department’s Investigation and Suppression Division for further legal proceedings. Details about the investigation are expected to be released by customs officials soon.

 

Police Major General Choengron Rimpadee, head of Immigration Division 2, emphasised the strengthened cooperation with neighbouring agencies to combat transnational crime, following directives from National Police Chief Police General Kittirat Phanphet and Immigration Commissioner Police Lieutenant General Phanumas Boonlak. This arrest underscores ongoing efforts to address drug trafficking in the region.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-23

 

 

[NickyLouie]

Quote

approximately 3 kilogrammes of heroin.

 

 

 

Quote

Lukstins, who speaks Russian but not English

 

 

 

[Stocky]

11 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

71-year-old

Silly old sod, well he won't need to worry about food, board and medical care in his old age.