Bangkok: The Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has identified critical loopholes in previous drug inspections and issued a stern warning to those carrying packages, emphasizing that claiming ignorance of the drugs is not a valid excuse.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Col. Suriya Singhakamol, the Secretary-General of the ONCB, revealed advancements in the investigation of the Airmina drug trafficking case and the arrest of Flight Attendant Meena in Australia. He stated that Thai authorities are diligently tracing the drugs back to their origin, focusing on the mastermind who has reportedly fled overseas. He assured that Thailand stands ready to provide necessary information and evidence to Australian authorities and reiterated the importance of addressing the issue of individuals unknowingly or knowingly smuggling drugs.
Pol. Col. Suriya emphasized continuous efforts in tackling similar cases, highlighting the significance of media attention in raising public awareness. He noted that various individuals, including flight attendants, students, and ordinary citizens, have been involved in smuggling goods abroad, sometimes unaware of the drugs concealed within. He warned that even without knowledge of the presence of drugs, smuggling violates the Customs Act and carries severe penalties, including up to 10 years of imprisonment and fines based on the value of the goods.
When questioned about the mastermind's whereabouts, Pol. Lt. Col. Suriya confirmed the individual had fled but noted that parts of the network continued to operate in Thailand as part of an organized crime syndicate. He clarified that the arrest of the network does not diminish the severity of the flight attendant's crime, indicating that while these are separate matters, operations in both Thailand and Australia adhere to similar standards and consider all evidence.
Pol. Lt. Col. Suriya further mentioned that additional suspects have been arrested, including those involved in smuggling operations, and information has been exchanged with Australian authorities. He reaffirmed that the Royal Thai Police had already disclosed the name of the fleeing mastermind, underscoring the ongoing efforts to dismantle the network.