Crime Indian National Caught Smuggling Nearly 20 Kg of Cannabis for Sale in Cambodia

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News.

 

An Indian man has been arrested in Chanthaburi province after attempting to smuggle nearly 20 kilograms of cannabis across the Thai-Cambodian border. The suspect, identified as Mr. Raj Raunak, was apprehended during a joint border patrol operation conducted by customs officials, the Royal Thai Navy, marine rangers, and immigration police.

 

The arrest took place in the Ban Laem market area, located in Thepnimit subdistrict, Pong Nam Ron district, as part of ongoing surveillance efforts targeting cross-border smuggling networks. Authorities reported that Mr. Raunak’s suspicious behaviour prompted officers to request a search of his belongings.

 

Upon inspection, officials discovered 44 packages of cannabis flower buds with a combined weight of 19.8 kilograms concealed in two suitcases, which he claimed were his personal luggage. During questioning, the suspect admitted to obtaining the cannabis from a Thai national in Bangkok with the intent of transporting it into Cambodia for resale.

 

A review of Mr. Raunak’s passport revealed frequent cross-border movements, often timed to coincide with the opening and closing hours of the border checkpoint, a tactic believed to be used to evade routine inspections. Authorities believe the operation was part of a wider, organised smuggling network.

 

The suspect has been formally charged with offences under multiple laws, including:

 

• Violating Section 242 of the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017)for exporting goods not cleared through customs procedures;

 

• Breaching Section 78 in conjunction with Section 46 of the Traditional Thai Medicine Wisdom Protection and Promotion Act B.E. 2542 (1999);

 

• And contravening the Ministry of Public Health’s 2025 Notification on Controlled Herbal Substances, specifically the regulation classifying cannabis as a controlled herb, issued on 23 June 2025.

 

All confiscated items were seized as evidence and the suspect will be prosecuted in accordance with the law. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the broader smuggling network.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-07-22