Thai Authorities Seize Over 50 Million Baht Worth of Illicit Substances Destined for Australia

National—

Thai and Australian authorities recently seized over 50 million baht worth of illicit substances smuggled from neighboring countries to be sent to Australia.

On October 27th, 2023, Mr. Panthong Loikunnan, the Advisor on Tax Collection Development and Management, Thai Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) officials, the Australian Border Force, and other relevant officials publicly stated on the confiscation of a huge number of illicit substances worth more than 50 million baht.
Panthong revealed to Thai media that drug smuggling operations traditionally transported via cargo ships in large numbers, however, nowadays, the shipments are via express services in a small number stashed into toys, thick books, shoes, and so on. The new means to smuggle the drugs have got creative to avoid detection by Customs Department officials, said Panthong.

Within October 2023, there were more than 11 cases of drug smuggling from neighboring countries to Thailand before sending illicit substances to Australia, Taiwan, and Korea as the final destinations.
The Australian Customs Department officials have taken strict and serious measures to capture drug smugglers to reduce the distribution of illicit substances to local communities and youths in Australia.

Furthermore, Thai Customs Department officials will increase the intensity of drug searches with cooperation from relevant agencies to track down wrongdoers importing or exporting illicit substances.