A suspected Vietnamese drug network has come under closer scrutiny after six nationals were arrested during a police raid on a Bangkok residence linked to crystal methamphetamine hidden in jars of tamarind paste bound for Japan.
The operation took place on Tuesday at a property in the Khlong Chan area of Bang Kapi district, according to Pol Maj Gen Theeradej Thammasuthee, deputy chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau responsible for narcotics suppression.
The investigation began after a woman hired to carry a parcel to Japan became suspicious of its unusual weight. The package had been delivered to her condominium in Bangkok Noi district on July 13.
A search of the parcel uncovered six jars of tamarind paste containing a total of two kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice”. The drugs had been wrapped in foil and concealed inside the containers.
Investigators later traced the shipment to a suspected Vietnamese trafficking network and began examining financial transactions and delivery routes connected to the operation.
On July 16, police arrested Thai national Somphong Kaewphadee in Pathum Thani after finding that an account registered in his name had allegedly been used to pay couriers and cover other related expenses. He was subsequently taken into custody under a warrant issued by Taling Chan Criminal Court.
Police said the Bang Kapi residence raided on Tuesday was among the locations where delivery workers had previously collected packages linked to the case.
Those detained at the property were identified as Ha Thi, 28; Tran Thi, 18; Le Nguyen, 18; Lo Thi, 19; Luong Le, 18; and Do Nhu, 28. Five of the suspects were women, while Mr Do was the only man arrested.
Officers also discovered a copy of a passport belonging to another Vietnamese woman, identified only as “Mali”, who was reportedly Mr Somphong’s girlfriend.
Police said the five women tested positive for drug use, while Mr Do was charged with possession of narcotics. All six denied any involvement in the suspected trafficking network.
The women reportedly told investigators that they had travelled to Thailand for entertainment work, with Mr Do acting as their modelling agent. They said they were paid about 700 baht for each assignment.
Electronic devices belonging to the suspects were seized for examination as officers continue efforts to identify other people believed to be connected to the network.
Authorities said the concealment method appeared similar to tactics used by a trafficking group linked to a heroin shipment found in the possession of a Thai flight attendant in Australia last month.
The cases have prompted Thai authorities to renew warnings against carrying luggage or parcels overseas for other people without knowing exactly what they contain.
