Thai Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officials announced the arrest of participants in a transnational narcotics…

Thai Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officers announced the arrest of participants in a transnational network for drug trafficking. They seized 65.5 kg of heroin worth over 200 million baht, intended for sale in tourist areas of Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket. Three people were arrested - two Thai nationals (women) and one Nigerian citizen. The police received information from the Nong Khai Immigration Office about a group of foreign drug traffickers from Nigeria living in Bangkok and involving Thai people in heroin smuggling for distribution in popular tourist locations. During surveillance, law enforcement officials found that one of the Thai nationals regularly visited neighboring countries through natural borders and then returned to Bangkok. Arresting her, the police got to the Nigerian citizen, known as Chiadikaobi, who had 49.5 kg of heroin hidden in snack packets seized. Later, the third participant, Mrs. Sompor, was arrested at the Sai Tai Mai bus station with another 16 kg of narcotics. The suspects confessed that they received heroin from another group member (Mrs. Kanjarat) for further resale to small dealers. Interestingly, the participants of the criminal group seemed to be unfamiliar with each other. They communicated over the internet, using a "romantic scam" tactic: the criminals befriended women online, gained their trust and convinced them to transport narcotics for a reward of around 30,000 baht per trip. All three have been charged with unlawful possession and distribution of Category 1 narcotics (heroin) for commercial purposes.