Laotian Drug Trafficker Identified in Heroin Case

Thai authorities have identified the owner of a heroin-filled parcel from an Air Maldives shipment as a Laotian national connected to a Thai woman named Deir who received the package in Australia. A decision from Melbourne's court on September 14 regarding charges against Air Maldives depends on supporting evidence from Thailand.

On July 6, Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) Areephakdee Ngeunbamrung disclosed the investigation progress into the case of an airline flight attendant arrested by Australian authorities for smuggling heroin in Thai luggage. The ONCB is coordinating with relevant agencies, having made 3-4 arrests in Bangkok involving approximately 26 kilograms of drugs. These cases have been referred to the DSI as they involve international criminal organizations, with riders taking orders from foreigners and couples transporting pre-packaged parcels from neighboring countries. Shipments use two methods: postal service or hand-to-hand delivery.

Police Deputy Commander Theeradej Thamsutee noted that scammers are also involved, creating fake profile avatars and targeting airline flight attendants and frequent international travelers to carry drugs. Given the scale, the DSI is handling it as a special case.

Arieephakdee revealed that authorities have coordinated with AFP police, identifying the recipient as Deir, a Thai national with a verifiable identity. They are investigating the larger network in Australia connected to her, as she is likely just one recipient among many. AFP is simultaneously expanding their investigation of the Australian network.

Regarding the boyfriend's testimony about receiving the parcel on June 22, he stated that after Mina brought the bags to their room, they unpacked and inspected everything but found nothing unusual before repacking for her flight. X-ray screening at the Thai airport showed only normal orange-colored items with no irregularities.

Investigation revealed that Deir, the Thai recipient, appears to be just one of multiple recipients, as evidence shows her name appearing multiple times as a destination for shipments to Australia. Though authorities know Deir's full name and that she has lived in Australia for approximately 10 years, her citizenship status remains unclear. It is also unclear whether a couple recently arrested connects to Mina's heroin shipment, requiring DSI to further investigate the criminal plan. Previously reported compensation of 8,800 baht for Mina's services remains unconfirmed.