The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) coordinated with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to expand investigations into a transnational heroin trafficking network by searching a residence. Thai female flight attendant. Warned the public to avoid carrying items across countries due to risks of drug concealment, emphasizing very severe penalties.
On 29 Jun 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Areepak Ngenbamrung, Deputy Secretary-General and spokesperson of the ONCB, explained the case reported in the news about Australian authorities detaining an airline crew member on charges of smuggling Category 1 narcotics (heroin) in Melbourne, Australia. She stated that since 2016, the ONCB and AFP have cooperated under “Taskforce Storm” by exchanging intelligence, expanding arrests, and seizing assets of suspects both in Thailand, Australia, and those who have fled to other countries.
Regarding this case, the ONCB recently exchanged information with AFP and obtained clear facts. The information will be used to expedite investigations and dismantle the trafficking network sending narcotics to Australia.
On the same day, the ONCB searched the accused woman's residence and questioned her boyfriend to investigate and extend efforts to identify the actual owners of the narcotics and related network members believed to be responsible for smuggling drugs into Australia. Authorities are gathering evidence and tracking accomplices to prosecute according to the law.
The ONCB spokesperson added details about screening and inspecting luggage before travel: currently, the Airports of Thailand conducts inspections and X-ray scans of carry-on and checked baggage to detect dangerous items, weapons, or prohibited goods for all passengers, including crew members who have direct access to operational areas and aircraft. They must undergo security checks to the same standards as passengers.
The ONCB is urgently discussing with Airports of Thailand (AOT) to enhance safety measures and increase strictness in the screening system to the highest standards.
Additionally, the ONCB has integrated work among Thai and international law enforcement agencies to combat transnational drug problems by establishing task forces to intercept and suppress drugs at airports (AITF) and seaports (SITF). It also expands cooperation at the ASEAN regional level (AAITF and ASITF) and conducts training to improve knowledge for transport operators and private companies to monitor and prevent drug trafficking via international parcels.
At the end, Ms. Areepak urged the public to avoid carrying or accepting baggage across countries under any circumstances because drug trafficking networks often hire or entrust people to carry parcels across borders with concealed drugs. If discovered, the carrier becomes an accused in drug import or export offenses unknowingly. Such offenses carry very severe legal penalties, especially for importing or exporting Category 1 narcotics (such as heroin, methamphetamine, yaba, or ecstasy), with maximum sentences including life imprisonment or the death penalty under both Thai and destination country laws.
If anyone observes suspicious behavior or has information about drug trafficking, they can report to the ONCB hotline at 1386, available 24 hours a day.