Bangkok police have detained nine Vietnamese nationals after tracing a suspected drug network linked to more than 2kg of crystal methamphetamine hidden inside jars of tamarind paste intended for Japan. The search, carried out at 5.30pm on 21 July 2026, targeted a rented three-storey townhouse in Soi Lat Phrao 101, Yaek 46, Khlong Chan, Bang Kapi district. Officers found three ecstasy tablets and an unspecified quantity of cocaine, police said. The investigation began after a woman, identified only as Ms A, who works as a courier carrying goods to Japan, became suspicious of jars of tamarind paste she had been hired to deliver. Police examined them and found more than 2kg of crystal meth concealed inside. Search followed earlier arrest Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner Major General Theeradet Thamsuthee ordered the operation, involving officers from Lat Phrao Police Station and the Metropolitan Police drug-prevention centre. Police said their enquiries indicated that the house was being used by a Vietnamese network suspected of drug dealing, and that the group was linked to those who hired Ms A to take the concealed drugs to Japan. Before the raid, officers had arrested 50-year-old Sompong Kaewphadee, identified as the holder of the bank account used to transfer Ms A's courier payment. Investigators subsequently obtained a search warrant from the Ratchada Criminal Court. At the Bang Kapi property, police detained one Vietnamese man and eight Vietnamese women. All were taken to the investigation division at Lat Phrao Police Station for drug tests, which found drugs in the systems of five women and the man. Six face initial drug charges Five Vietnamese women were initially charged with using a Category 1 narcotic without permission. The Vietnamese man was charged with possessing a Category 1 narcotic. Police also seized mobile phones and electronic devices for digital forensic examination as they seek to identify further people connected with the alleged network. Copies of the passport of Mali, a Vietnamese woman described by police as Sompong's girlfriend, were also seized. Officers said the material would support an application for additional arrest warrants. During initial questioning, those detained said they had entered Thailand for work. They named Do Nhu as the person arranging entertainment work, for which they were paid 700 baht per job, and said they lived together. They denied involvement in an international drug-trafficking operation, although they admitted having previously used drugs, police said. Warning for overseas couriers Major General Theeradet said the alleged network had attempted to use parcel and personal courier services to disguise drug smuggling, concealing narcotics among agricultural products and dried food. For foreigners living in Thailand, as well as visitors asked to carry packages abroad, the case is a reminder that accepting goods for overseas delivery can carry serious legal risks. Police advised couriers to inspect items carefully and refuse packages where the contents or weight appear unusual, warning that they could otherwise become entangled in cross-border crime. Police said they would continue pursuing all those involved and take legal action. Related stories Police-seize-2kg-of-ice-hidden-in-tamarind-jars-bound-for-Japan Thailand-used-as-transit-point-in-Tokyo-meth-case Join the discussion? 23 July 2026
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