Thai courier finds meth hidden in tamarind jars, sparking major drug probe

BANGKOK, July 17 (TNA) - Thai police have seized over two kilograms of crystal methamphetamine after a female courier discovered the drugs hidden inside jars of tamarind paste meant for delivery to Japan, officials said.

Bang Yi Khan police in Bangkok confiscated 2.059 kilograms of the Category 1 narcotic on July 13. The seizure followed a complaint from Patcharanan, who works as a carry-on courier between Thailand and Japan.

According to the police, Patcharanan reported that a Facebook user named "Chayamin Pai" hired her on July 3 to transport goods to Japan. A delivery rider dropped off the parcel at her residence the following day.

While packing her luggage on July 7, Patcharanan inspected the package and noticed that six jars of liquid tamarind paste were unusually heavy. Upon opening them, she found a white substance in clear plastic bags hidden beneath a top layer of tamarind.

She left the package intact at her residence and proceeded with her trip to Japan. Upon her return on July 11, she reported the matter to the police.

Investigating officers examined the package on July 13 and confirmed the presence of crystal methamphetamine in all six jars, with packages weighing between 300 and 413 grams each.

Investigators have already questioned the courier, witnesses, and the delivery rider. Police have since issued arrest warrants for four suspects—three Thai nationals and one Vietnamese national—and believe at least 15 others may be involved in the smuggling ring. -819 (TNA)