Thailand customs seize 17 kg heroin in Bangkok, 32 kg marijuana in Phuket

Thai customs officers at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport intercepted a transit passenger on 9 July 2026 carrying 17.53 kg of heroin concealed in coffee‑ and tea‑bag packages. The drug, valued at about 7.3 million baht, was destined for Madagascar via Ethiopia. The passenger, who arrived from Kuala Lumpur, was detained and handed to the Investigation and Suppression Bureau for prosecution.

A day later, at Phuket International Airport, customs seized roughly 32.1 kg of cannabis flower packed in vacuum‑sealed bags. The contraband was found in the luggage of two women – a Thai national and a Filipino national – who were arrested on charges of attempting to smuggle the drug abroad. Both cases illustrate Thailand’s intensified airport drug‑interdiction efforts and the use of risk‑analysis systems to target high‑risk travelers.