The spokesperson for the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) revealed progress in the case of a 28-year-old Thai woman hired to carry a box of goods containing methamphetamine hidden inside coffee sachets. Recently, Japanese prosecutors ordered no prosecution on drug charges, concluding there was no intent and no involvement with the transnational drug trafficking network.
On 31 July 2026, Ms. Areepak Ngernbumrung, Deputy Secretary-General of the ONCB and spokesperson for the office, stated regarding the case of the 28-year-old Thai woman arrested at Fukuoka airport with 900 grams of methamphetamine concealed in coffee sachets that she had been informed by Japanese police that prosecutors decided not to prosecute Ms. Juthathip (surname withheld), the Thai woman, for drug trafficking into Japan.
Details on why the prosecution was dropped are still being coordinated, but initial information indicates that Japanese prosecutors viewed the woman as having no intent and believed she was not involved in any transnational drug trafficking network. She was merely carrying goods without knowledge of the concealed drugs entering Japan and had no prior record or involvement with drug offenses, leading to the decision not to prosecute.
This is not the first case where Japanese prosecutors have dropped charges against a Thai drug suspect; previous cases have resulted in both prosecutions and dismissals depending on the evidence and case circumstances. Going forward, Japan’s immigration police will coordinate with Thailand’s Consular Department to confirm that the woman is cleared of drug charges, allowing her to return to Thailand promptly.
Responsibility for this matter lies with coordination between Thai consular officials and the woman’s family to arrange her repatriation schedule. Meanwhile, the ONCB will focus on expanding investigations to track and apprehend individuals involved in the broader transnational drug trafficking network.
The handling of any legal proceedings will be undertaken by the Narcotics Suppression Bureau's police division.
Regarding whether the woman will be blacklisted from entering Japan upon repatriation, details remain unclear and await official documentation. The Office of the Attorney for Rights Protection and Legal Assistance will coordinate with the family to ensure the woman’s rights are protected throughout the process.