Thai Customs deploys K9 units at Suvarnabhumi Airport in drug crackdown

SAMUT PRAKAN, Aug 4 (TNA) - Thailand’s Customs Department has deployed sniffer dogs at Suvarnabhumi Airport to screen passengers and baggage for illicit drugs, targeting high-risk flights and flight crews as part of a broader anti-trafficking drive.

The move comes as transnational smuggling networks increasingly turn to individual couriers following tighter controls on cargo and mail routes.

"We were previously concerned about the impact on tourism and potential passenger complaints if dogs were used in terminal areas," said Phanthong Loykulnanta, Director-General of the Customs Department. "However, given the situation, we must step up strict enforcement."

Customs officials have partnered with the Border Patrol Police to increase K9 capacity at the country's main international gateway. Currently, the department maintains eight sniffer dogs, most of which are assigned to cargo handling and postal distribution centers.

At Suvarnabhumi Airport, K9 teams operate in pairs on rotating one-hour shifts to prevent fatigue. In departure halls, units conduct random checks near fourth-floor check-in counters. In arrival halls, dogs inspect baggage directly at conveyor belts based on intelligence reports regarding suspicious flights and origin countries.

Kunadorn Duanghasadee, a senior customs official and K9 trainer, noted that the dogs are trained to detect a wide range of narcotics, including methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and cannabis, as well as emerging synthetic drugs. 

When a dog detects illicit substances, it signals the handler by sitting down or scratching at the suspect bag, depending on its specific training.

The deployment applies to flight crews from both domestic and foreign airlines, alongside international travelers, as authorities seek to prevent Thailand from being utilized as a transit hub for international drug cartels. -819 (TNA)