Flight Attendant May Avoid Charges If Duped Into Smuggling Heroin
Thai authorities seized over 17 kilograms of heroin destined for Australia and Taiwan in a crackdown on an international drug trafficking network, with a flight attendant potentially facing no charges if she was duped into transporting the
The Office of the Narcotics Control Board announced the results of drug trafficking investigations on July 2. Pol. Col. Suriya Singhakamol, Secretary of the ONCB, along with Deputy Secretary Abhikit Rojpraserit and investigator Kwanchamal Srichaiwan, revealed that the investigation targets an international drug trafficking network.
The operation began on June 30 when authorities seized 8 kilograms of heroin hidden in fabric bags at a Bangkok address in the Bankhok-Lak Si area. On July 1, two additional raids were conducted in Soi Rangnام and Ramkhamhaeng, yielding nearly 9 kilograms of heroin concealed in winter jackets and coffee packages destined for Australia. A third location yielded heroin intended for Taiwan.
Authorities have identified the network's members and coordinated with relevant agencies to apprehend individuals who transported packages from Chiang Khan in Loei Province to Bangkok. International coordination with Australian Federal Police is underway to address the Australia-bound shipments.
Regarding flight attendant Meena, Pol. Col. Suriya stated that authorities have not yet spoken with her or her legal counsel. If Australian authorities can prove she was deceived rather than acting intentionally, she may not be prosecuted. Currently, evidence is still being gathered. The investigation notes that Meena, as a crew member, frequently travels to Australia, and the timing may have coincided with the network's shipment schedule. She is classified as a "mule" who sells baggage weight capacity by posting available space online, which attracts drug trafficking networks seeking to move product.
