Thailand used as transit point in Tokyo meth case

Bangkok police say a Vietnamese-led drug network used Thailand as a transit point to send crystal methamphetamine concealed in tamarind paste jars to Japan. More than 2kg of the drug, commonly known as ice, was found in a Tokyo-bound shipment after a courier became suspicious of its weight.

Metropolitan Police Bureau commissioner Pol Lt Gen Siam Boonsom announced the case on July 17 with Pol Maj Gen Chaiya Phetpanya, head of Metropolitan Police Division 7, and Bang Yi Khan Police Station investigators.

The inquiry followed the questioning of Sompong, a Thai suspect arrested in connection with the alleged network.

Tamarind jars raised suspicion

On July 13, a person who earns money carrying goods overseas contacted police after becoming concerned about jars of tamarind paste due to be delivered to Tokyo.

The containers were unusually heavy. After the courier handed them to officers, investigators discovered six rounded foil-wrapped packages concealed inside the jars, which tested positive for more than 2kg of crystal meth.

Police said the case was similar to previous incidents in which travellers had unknowingly been asked to carry parcels containing drugs.

For foreign residents, visitors and people travelling between Thailand and Japan, the case is a reminder not to carry packages for others, particularly food items or sealed goods whose contents cannot be independently checked.

Police said the group allegedly made shipments look routine by offering a courier rate of about 450 baht per kilogramme, close to normal delivery charges.

Network allegedly directed from Hanoi

Investigators believe Vietnamese nationals ran the operation, with a senior figure allegedly directing it from Hanoi. Anonymous Facebook accounts were reportedly used to hire delivery riders to collect parcels from homes occupied by Vietnamese nationals in Thailand.

Those riders then delivered packages to Thai couriers hired to travel overseas, creating several layers between the alleged organisers and the final shipment.

Payments and expenses linked to the operation were transferred through a bank account belonging to Sompong, police said.

Vietnamese nationals allegedly took turns withdrawing between 20,000 and 50,000 baht before leaving Thailand for Vietnam shortly afterwards.

Police believe four people may have been involved.

Arrest warrants have been issued for Sompong and three Vietnamese nationals accused of withdrawing money, operating anonymous social-media accounts or directing parts of the operation.

Sompong has denied the allegations. His girlfriend was not named in the four warrants, although police believe she may have known about the operation and are examining her possible involvement.

Japanese authorities asked to help

One of the three Vietnamese suspects named in the warrants has already left Thailand. Police have asked the Immigration Bureau to locate and monitor the movements of the remaining suspects.

The group allegedly changed its methods regularly, concealing drugs in food products or cut-open and resealed seasoning packets. In Tokyo, a Thai national was expected to collect the shipment from the hired courier before it moved through further stages of the distribution network.

Thai police have contacted the Japanese Embassy to help identify those waiting for the package in Tokyo. Investigators are also examining the source of the meth, financial transactions and whether the group was involved in other illegal activity. The investigation is continuing and the allegations have not been proven in court.

Picture courtesy of The Nation

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19 July 2026

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