Customs Seizes 25 Million Baht in Drug Shipment to Phuket
Customs seized 5.26 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and over 100,000 pills worth 25.15 million baht hidden in an ice cooler shipped to Phuket on July 22, with authorities expanding their investigation into the smuggling network.
The Customs Department is ramping up enforcement operations against illegal drug trafficking in line with government policy, following the successful seizure of 5.26 kilograms of ice and over 100,000 methamphetamine pills worth approximately 25.15 million baht that were concealed in an ice container shipped to Phuket province. Officials are expanding the investigation into the smuggling network. On July 27, 2025, Region 5 Customs Office, working with related agencies, conducted operations in Phuket and successfully intercepted crystal methamphetamine and methamphetamine tablets hidden inside an ice cooler in a parcel box. Customs Director Panthong Loaygulanant stated that the department is implementing urgent policies set by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprayat to strengthen prevention and suppression of drug trafficking. All sectors are integrating efforts to increase vigilance and monitoring of illegal drug imports, exports, and transit to prevent Thailand from becoming a drug trafficking route, with enhanced checks at all entry points including airports, border checkpoints, and postal systems nationwide. On July 22, 2025, Region 5 Customs officers conducting random inspections at a private transport company in Phuket discovered a suspicious parcel. X-ray screening and chemical testing confirmed the presence of Schedule 1 narcotic drugs consisting of 5.26 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine in transparent plastic bags and approximately 100,000 orange and green methamphetamine tablets in blue plastic bags, with a total estimated street value of 25.15 million baht. Following the discovery, authorities coordinated with the Phuket Narcotics Control Bureau and Region 2 Narcotics Suppression Command to expand the investigation into the sender, recipient, and other parties involved in the smuggling operation. The charges fall under the Narcotic Drugs Act regarding unauthorized possession with intent to distribute for commercial purposes, causing public harm and threatening national security or public safety. Customs Director emphasized that this seizure reflects the department's commitment to working with narcotics police to prevent drug smuggling through parcel channels into world-class tourist destinations like Phuket, ensuring public safety and national security.
