Officers from Division 2 of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB 4) uncovered a recorded 6,198 grammes of heroin that was concealed within the linings of 48 silk garments, according to a report submitted to Phuket Provincial Police.
The seizure was formally recorded at midday last Saturday (May 2) at the Phuket Narcotics Suppression Unit office on Sakdidet Rd in Wichit.
Police said the drugs had been stitched into the inner linings of the dresses and packed into two sacks sent via courier service Flash Express.
The case began on Apr 30, when officers received intelligence about two suspicious parcels believed to contain heroin.
The packages, shipped from Loei Province and addressed to a residence in Sakhu, Thalang, were placed outside the house by a delivery driver at about 5:30pm but went unclaimed.
Residents told police the named recipient had already left Thailand on a flight to Australia.
Initial inspection of the parcels found only Thai silk clothing, with no obvious illegal items.
However, on Saturday, the named recipient contacted officers after being approached via Facebook Messenger by a user identified as “Mongkhonchai Pongyang”, who had allegedly hired him to carry the garments to Australia. Growing suspicious, he requested police to conduct a more thorough examination.
A detailed search revealed concealed substances inside the clothing linings. Field testing returned a positive result for heroin.
The drugs and packaging were seized as evidence and handed to investigators at Wichit Police Station. The case has been logged as criminal case number 255/2569.
The suspect or suspects remain under investigation, police reported, adding that they are looking to pursue charges of possession of a Category 1 narcotic and attempted export of a Category 1 narcotic without permission.
Pol Lt Watcharakorn Suwan, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) at Wichit Police, is leading the case. Officers are now working to identify those responsible, including coordinating forensic DNA collection from the evidence and submitting the seized narcotics for laboratory testing.
Authorities noted that the named recipient of the parcels is cooperating with the investigation and has provided information to assist in tracking down those behind the smuggling attempt.