Bangkok:A French national has been apprehended for attempting to smuggle 1.24 kilograms of heroin, with a street value of over 521,000 baht, from Thailand to France.
According to Thai News Agency, the arrest was made as part of the OFAST-Thai Customs-RTP operation, in collaboration with the AITF unit. Mr. Panthong Loykulnan, Director-General of the Customs Department, has directed enhanced scrutiny of passengers suspected of drug trafficking, in partnership with law enforcement agencies, to improve drug prevention and suppression efforts.
Mr. Ekwut Na-ek, Director of the Investigation and Suppression Division, disclosed that the French national was intercepted on November 10, 2016, while traveling from Suvarnabhumi Airport. The inspection uncovered the heroin, a Category 1 narcotic, hidden within a concealed compartment in the suspect's luggage. The heroin's estimated value would escalate to 1.43 million baht if it had reached France.
The arrest involves charges of attempting to export heroin without permission and possession of narcotics without permission, in violation of the Narcotics Code and the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017). The suspect and the confiscated narcotics have been transferred to investigating officers for further legal action.