Pictures courtesy of CrimeAsia

Customs officers have arrested a male passenger for attempting to smuggle 3.1 kilograms of cocaine into Thailand through Phuket International Airport, with the drugs valued at approximately 9.3 million baht. The arrest took place on February 12, 2026, as part of the government’s intensified anti-narcotics crackdown. Authorities said the seizure followed enhanced passenger risk profiling and intelligence-led screening measures.

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According to the Thai Customs Department, the suspect had travelled from Humberto Delgado Airport, Portugal and transited through Istanbul Airport before arriving in Phuket. Customs investigators, working with Regional Customs Office 5 and Phuket Airport Customs officials, identified him as a high-risk passenger. The operation was carried out under directives from Customs Director-General Phanthong Loykulnunt as part of the “Quick Big Win in Anti-Drug Trafficking” policy.

The joint operation involved the Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF), the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, and the Internal Security Operations Command under the Royal Thai Armed Forces. During baggage screening, officers detected irregularities inside the suspect’s suitcase. A detailed search revealed white powder concealed in hidden compartments and wrapped in blue carbon paper to evade detection.

Preliminary testing using ONCB 052 cobalt thiocyanate reagent confirmed the substance to be cocaine, classified as a Category 2 narcotic under Thai law. The total weight of the seized cocaine, including packaging, was approximately 3,100 grams. Authorities estimated its street value at around 9.3 million baht.

Mr Ekawut Na-ek, Director of the Investigation and Suppression Bureau at the Customs Department, said the operation reflected strengthened border control measures. He confirmed the suspect was taken into custody along with the seized drugs and handed over to investigators for prosecution. The man faces charges for importing a Category 2 narcotic into the Kingdom under Thailand’s Narcotics Code, as well as violations of Sections 242, 252, 166 and 167 of the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017).

Mr Ekawut added that Thai Customs will continue to enhance cooperation with domestic and international partners to combat drug trafficking and safeguard national security. The efforts align with the World Customs Organization 2026 slogan: “Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment.” Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the suspect as legal proceedings move forward.

Key Takeaways

• Customs seized 3.1kg of cocaine worth 9.3 million baht at Phuket International Airport on February 12, 2026.

• The suspect arrived from Humberto Delgado Airport via Istanbul Airport and was flagged through risk profiling.

• He faces charges under Thailand’s Narcotics Code and the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017).

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Join the discussion?

  Adapted by ASEAN Now CrimeAsia 15 Feb 2026

On 2/15/2026 at 5:22 AM, Georgealbert said:

Customs investigators, working with Regional Customs Office 5 and Phuket Airport Customs officials, identified him as a high-risk passenger.

I wonder how they can do this. if they can flag those people, they should certainly be catching a lot more no?
I know that in other countries they use Airport cameras to detect nervous people acting strange.