Thai customs officials have arrested a Turkish passenger at Suvarnabhumi Airport after discovering more than 12 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed inside coffee bags and chocolate packaging. The drugs, which officials estimate have a street value of around 36 million baht, were allegedly smuggled into Thailand on a flight from Sao Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport in Brazil.

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The arrest was announced by Customs Department director-general Phantong Loykulnanta, who said the operation formed part of the government’s urgent policy to combat transnational drug trafficking. The operation was carried out on June 25, by the department’s Investigation and Suppression Bureau in cooperation with the Airport Interdiction Task Force.

Officials searched the passenger’s luggage after his arrival from Brazil and allegedly found the cocaine hidden inside food packaging. Customs officers seized the drugs, detained the suspect and transferred him to investigators from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau for further legal proceedings.

Authorities said the investigation is now being expanded to identify any wider trafficking network connected to the case. Officials believe international criminal groups continue to exploit global air travel routes to transport narcotics into Thailand.

Under Thai law, cocaine is classified as a Category 2 narcotic. Those convicted of importing or exporting narcotics for commercial purposes face charges under the Customs Act B.E. 2560 and the Narcotics Code, with penalties of up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 1.5 million baht, or both.

The Customs Department said the seizure highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen border security against organised drug trafficking. Authorities have increased inspections using advanced scanning technology, K-9 detection dogs, intelligence analysis and closer cooperation with domestic and international law enforcement agencies.

From October 1, 2025, to June 25, 2026, customs officials seized narcotics and psychotropic substances in 214 cases. The total estimated value of the seized drugs exceeded 692 million baht.

Crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice”, remained the most frequently seized drug by number of cases, quantity and value. Postal and express parcel deliveries accounted for more than 76.6% of all drug-related cases detected during the nine-month period, while officials also reported increasing attempts to smuggle newer psychotropic substances including zopiclone and etomidate.

The Nation reported that The Customs Department said it will continue expanding investigations in every case to dismantle the transnational criminal organisations behind drug trafficking. Officials also urged the public to report suspicious activity to help prevent narcotics from spreading in Thailand.

Pictures courtesy of The Nation

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 28 June 2026

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This drugs situation, it's like trying to hold back the tide!

Not every man with tattoos is a criminal but the lion's share of criminals are inked up. Maybe everyone with conspicuous tattoos should be given closer scrutiny, perhaps even body cavity searches. Dogs aren't fooled by other scents that smugglers try to disguise the drugs with: dogs smell everything separately.