The Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) revealed after a joint meeting with Australia's AFP and ABF that preparations are underway to expand operations to search and arrest drug networks linked to the air hostess case. He confirmed that the recipients of the drugs from the air hostess and the parcel senders are already identified but withheld some details.
On 1 Jul 2026 at the ONCB office in Din Daeng, Bangkok, Police Lieutenant Colonel Suriya Singhakamon, Secretary-General of ONCB, disclosed after a one-hour meeting and intelligence exchange with representatives from Australia's Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) that the meeting was held under the joint special operation "Taskforce Storm," established since 2016, to discuss the investigation and arrest of Ms. Meena (surname withheld) in Australia.
The discussion today involved exchanging investigative information from the start of the arrest and tracking progress on both sides to understand the origins and source of the drug trafficking network. They have shared all information but are withholding some details out of mutual interest to clarify the issues troubling both Thailand and Australia.
"Overall, regarding the case against Ms. Meena, I must say that Australia's standards ensure fairness, including appointing legal counsel for her. As for expanding the investigation to identify who sent the drugs or the network involved, we have exchanged in-depth information but must withhold some details since both countries are still pursuing the investigation," said Police Lieutenant Colonel Suriya.
He added that concerning the claim that Ms. Meena declared the items carried in her luggage, the facts show this followed initial detection procedures. When Ms. Meena arrived at the airport and customs inspected her, it is standard Australian procedure to question crew members if they carry items not belonging to them or items requiring declaration. Ms. Meena reportedly declared carrying 12 bags and consented to inspections, leading customs to discover some heroin. Laboratory tests are ongoing to determine the exact quantity.
Regarding whether the declaration serves as a defense for Ms. Meena to receive fair treatment, he said the matter is subject to Australia's justice process. They do not assume she is guilty or merely a victim used to transport drugs abroad. Australia has ensured fairness by appointing a lawyer to assist her legally.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Suriya further stated that the investigation is ongoing, so details remain confidential. However, there are actual persons involved waiting to receive the shipment. Whether these individuals are Thai or foreigners is not yet disclosed, as Australia is still tracking them and has not issued summonses since the investigation continues. The number of people involved is unknown, but they confirm there are senders, receivers, and those transferring money. They aim to expand the investigation comprehensively.
He noted that the discussions covered various topics, including networks involved in sending drugs from production areas through Thailand to Australia. Both sides shared information on individuals involved in transporting drugs abroad. They also discussed cooperation in tracking and arresting drug suspects fleeing Thai court warrants to Australia or offenders escaping from Australia to Thailand. This reflects strong cooperation and data exchange between Thailand and Australia.
Regarding whether Ms. Meena has told Australian authorities who would receive the parcels after she passed Melbourne airport security or where the handover was arranged, he confirmed they have this information but must withhold it. Following his earlier public appeal for the actual parcel sender to cooperate—who delivered the drugs to Ms. Meena at a condominium on 22 June 2026—some tips have started arriving, but the actual delivery rider has yet to come forward officially.
Within the next 1-2 days, they plan to launch further search operations, possibly in cooperation with the Metropolitan Police, Royal Thai Police, and the Narcotics Suppression Bureau. They already have information on the network under investigation and will conduct searches and arrests involving groups connected to Ms. Meena’s case as well as unrelated drug networks.
The Prime Minister places great importance on this matter and will chair the ONCB board meeting on 3 Jul 2026. A key agenda is the Ms. Meena case and drug trafficking to Australia. The meeting aims to establish preventive frameworks and strengthen all measures, including shipping, inspection, scanning, and x-ray procedures, to enhance clarity and effectiveness.
An ABF official stated that Australia and Thailand have a long-standing law enforcement relationship. They expressed gratitude to ONCB Secretary-General for taking the time to discuss shared threats and risks faced across the region.