27-4-2024 (BANGKOK) Thai authorities have successfully confiscated a staggering 320 kilograms of ketamine, cunningly concealed inside large steel robots intended for shipment to Taiwan. The bust, which took place on Friday, was carried out by diligent narcotics suppression officers and the Customs Department. Additionally, a Thai woman was apprehended during the operation, which unfolded within the premises of a private transportation company in the bustling city of Bangkok.
This significant seizure follows a similar incident that occurred on March 12, when Australian authorities discovered 108 kilograms of methamphetamine tablets cleverly hidden within food processing equipment imported from Thailand.
Through an extensive investigation, authorities uncovered that the illicit consignments had been dispatched by a Thai woman. Suspicion initially arose when investigators received information on Wednesday regarding her arrangement of a shipment of robot dolls destined for Taiwan.
In light of this discovery, Thai authorities swiftly coordinated with Taiwan’s Justice Ministry to conduct a thorough inspection of the goods. This joint effort yielded the astonishing discovery of a massive haul of 320 kilograms of ketamine. During subsequent interrogations, the suspect disclosed that she had been receiving instructions from a woman located in Laos, who was orchestrating these shipments.
This recent seizure serves as a poignant reminder of Thailand’s ongoing commitment to combat drug trafficking. Since 2022, Thai authorities have successfully intercepted over 1.8 tonnes of methamphetamine and 265 kilograms of heroin, with destinations spanning Australia, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.
Typically, the modus operandi employed by traffickers involves the transportation of narcotics through private docks and personal ports situated in Thailand’s eastern region, including Chanthaburi, Rayong, Trat, and Chachoengsao. Subsequently, the drugs are transferred onto smaller vessels such as fishing boats, long-tail boats, or speedboats, before being clandestinely moved to larger offshore vessels. Given that these ships operate within international waters, jurisdictional limitations hinder crackdown efforts.
Consequently, authorities believe that heightened surveillance measures are imperative to curtail this covert method of drug trafficking.
