Police Expand Drug Smuggling Network After Female Officer Tricked
Thai police are investigating an international drug smuggling network that tricked a female officer into transporting cannabis-filled containers to China via social media cargo pages. The case highlights how traffickers exploit delivery wor
Police are expanding their investigation into a cargo delivery network after a female officer was deceived into transporting cannabis to China hidden inside canned containers. The officer's headquarters has now established an investigation committee.
The Narcotics Suppression Command (ONCB) is investigating an international drug trafficking operation that exploited delivery workers as tools for smuggling. This case is one of several under investigation, separate from the "Mina Air" case.
The incident occurred in early January 2026 when a female petty officer hired to transport 30 cans traveled from Suvarnabhumi Airport to China before being arrested by Chinese customs officials. Hidden cannabis was discovered inside the containers, and she was detained for approximately two months of investigation. Chinese prosecutors subsequently ruled not to prosecute, as evidence confirmed she was a victim of the cargo delivery network and was unaware of the hidden cannabis in the items she had accepted. She was returned to Thailand in March.
On July 8, 2026, National Police Office spokesperson Pol. Gen. Trairongpol Phiwphon revealed that both ONCB and the officer's affiliated agency are currently investigating the facts and taking appropriate action. Preliminary findings show the victim hired the delivery service through a cargo delivery Facebook page while traveling in China before being arrested when Chinese officials discovered hidden cannabis in her belongings.
Pol. Gen. Trairongpol stated that this case reflects how international drug trafficking operations have adapted their tactics by using social media as a contact channel, hiring through cargo delivery pages or unfamiliar individuals to deceive people into illegally transporting items. He warned the public against accepting deliveries or hiring to transport others' items abroad, even for minimal compensation, as they may become tools of criminal networks and face prosecution under the laws of destination countries.
Regarding case developments, Pol. Gen. Trairongpol said it is too early to conclude whether the female officer knew about the hidden drugs, as a thorough investigation by relevant agencies is pending. Case proceedings follow the laws and jurisdiction of the country where the incident occurred.
The National Police Office's affiliated agency has conducted disciplinary fact-checking and confirmed that if any misconduct by police personnel is found, both disciplinary and criminal action will be taken decisively, in line with the National Police Commander's policy that commendable police conduct should be praised while misconduct must be addressed firmly through both disciplinary and criminal proceedings.
When asked about additional protective measures for police personnel, Pol. Gen. Trairongpol noted that police officers already face stricter disciplinary regulations than ordinary civil servants and must be mindful of adhering strictly to these standards.
Reports indicate that the Police Hospital, the officer's affiliated agency, has established a fact-checking committee, while ONCB is investigating the source of the cannabis hidden in the cans and those behind the operation.
