DSI, in coordination with ONCB, expanded the investigation into a transnational drug network after a 24 kg heroin seizure

DSI, in coordination with ONCB, expanded the investigation into a transnational drug network after a 24 kg heroin seizure

On July 15, 2026, the Bureau of Narcotics Crime, Department of Special Investigation (DSI) continued its crackdown on drugs under the policy of Police Lieutenant General Ruthaphol Naowarat, Minister of Justice, under the direction of Police Major Yutthana Praedam, Director-General of DSI, Police Captain Wisanu Chimtrakool, Deputy Director-General of DSI, Mr. Pongsathorn In-amnuay, Expert on Human trafficking and Narcotics Crime, and Mr. Wittawat Sukantharos, Director of the Bureau of Narcotics Crime, integrating cooperation with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) to expand the investigation into a transnational drug smuggling network after seizing heroin weighing a total of 24 kilograms concealed in items such as clothing and consumer goods, prepared for export to Australia and Taiwan via passenger baggage.

This stems from the ONCB forwarding the narcotics case file to the DSI to prosecute and conduct further investigations to arrest offenders in the transnational crime network. Searches and investigations revealed that the drug network was hired by a Laotian employer to send parcel boxes concealing heroin via a courier company to destinations in Bangkok before transporting them out of the Kingdom to Australia and Taiwan. The Director-General of the DSI ordered the investigation to be conducted as a special case pursuant to the Special Case Investigation Act, B.E. 2547 (2004) and its amendments, on July 3, 2026, designated as Special Case No. 99/2569. On the same day, the special case inquiry team requested approval from the Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for 2 suspects and successfully arrested both individuals: Mr. Uthit (surname withheld), aged 43, a Thai national, and Mrs. Thadsaphon (surname withheld), aged 42, a Laotian national, who are husband and wife. Investigators of Special Case No. 99/2569 informed them of the charges, conducted interrogations, and brought both suspects to the Criminal Court on July 4, 2026, to seek a remand order for further legal proceedings.

Following further investigation, the special case inquiry officials gathered evidence and requested approval from the Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for 4 additional accomplices: Mr. Sayan (surname withheld), a Laotian national, Mrs. Nan (surname withheld), a Laotian national, Mr. Klaew (surname withheld), a Thai national, and Mr. Oun (surname withheld), a Laotian national. The law enforcement agencies in Lao PDR arrested 2 Laotian suspects under arrest warrants, Mr. Thao Sayan (surname withheld) and Mrs. Nan (surname withheld), along with detecting an amount of narcotics within Lao territory; currently Lao authorities are proceeding with legal action under their own laws and expanding the investigation to identify further accomplices.

One Thai suspect, Mr. Klaew (surname withheld), was arrested in another narcotics case by police officers from Chiang Khan Police Station, Loei Province, and is currently detained in Loei Provincial Prison. The special case inquiry officials will coordinate and proceed with requesting a detainer according to the arrest warrant in the special case. Meanwhile, another Laotian suspect, Mr. Oun (surname withheld), remains at large, and authorities are tracking him down for prosecution.

Currently, in Special Case No. 99/2569, the special case inquiry officials have issued arrest warrants for a total of 6 suspects. 5 suspects have been apprehended, while 2 Laotian suspects are undergoing legal proceedings under the laws of the Lao PDR. The DSI will continue to coordinate with relevant agencies both domestically and internationally to expand the investigation to accomplices, supporters, and masterminds behind this transnational drug trafficking network. The DSI reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with the ONCB and domestic and international law enforcement agencies to intercept transnational drug smuggling, dismantle criminal networks, and decisively bring all offenders to justice in accordance with the Ministry of Justice policy.