Police expand heroin syndicate probe after courier arrest

BANGKOK, July 10 (TNA) - Thai authorities are expanding an investigation into a transnational narcotics network smuggling heroin to Australia following the arrest and confession of a key courier, officials said.

The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), and Australian authorities held a joint meeting to track the network, which is linked to a previous case involving a flight attendant smuggling heroin into Australia.

ONCB Secretary-General Pol. Maj. Suriya Singhakamol stated that transport companies and independent couriers found carrying packages containing illegal narcotics will face immediate prosecution under customs evasion laws with maximum penalties, regardless of whether they were aware of the hidden drugs.

Intelligence indicates that the syndicate's top leadership is based in Laos, officials said.

The expansion of the probe follows the arrest of a suspect identified as Ekawit in Phayao province. Pol. Maj. Gen. Theeradech Thumsutee, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, confirmed that Ekawit confessed to procuring elephant-patterned bags to conceal the heroin, stating he was paid 100,000 baht per run and had completed the task two to three times.

According to the investigation, Ekawit used the online alias "Rinrin" to coordinate with another suspect, Uthai, who then delivered the bags to the flight attendant.

Police stated that Ekawit operated under orders from a coordinator using the chat alias "Rose Rose," who is believed to be his relative. The group utilized roadside kilometer markers to drop off and retrieve the bags and cash payments. While Ekawit claimed the heroin was packed into the bags in Laos, police are investigating whether the concealment was done locally by specialized tribal artisans in Phayao.

Authorities have identified the individual behind the "Rose Rose" account, identifying them as a mid-level manager responsible for recruiting couriers, while the syndicate leaders remain at large. -819 (TNA)