Thai Authorities Seize Over 2kg of Heroin Hidden in Protein Bars at Suvarnabhumi Airport
Bangkok, April 2, 2025 — In a significant drug bust, Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) uncovered 2,140 grams of heroin disguised as protein bars at Suvarnabhumi Airport, thwarting a smuggling attempt destined for Australia.
The heroin was concealed in 84 bar-shaped packages, each cleverly wrapped in protein bar packaging to avoid detection. The suspicious parcel, originating from Bangkok, was intercepted during routine checks by the Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF) after it was transferred from a private courier to an international shipping company.
International Coordination and Ongoing Investigations
ONCB Secretary-General Pol. Lt. Gen. Panurat Lakboon confirmed the seizure and stated that the ONCB is working closely with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to trace the destination and potential recipients of the shipment in Australia. Investigations are also underway in Thailand to identify those behind the attempted export.
Drug Smuggling Trends on the Rise
This incident marks the 11th drug interception case aimed at Australia in the 2025 fiscal year (October 2024–present). According to authorities, the AITF has so far seized:
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14.11 kg of crystal methamphetamine
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700 grams of heroin
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93 kg of cocaine
Smugglers have been using increasingly inventive concealment tactics, including hiding narcotics inside:
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Chocolate snack packs
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Surfboard inflators
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Whiteboard frames
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Instant drink sachets
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Power tools
Authorities warn that the diversity of concealment methods highlights the growing sophistication of transnational drug trafficking networks.
Continued Crackdown
The ONCB reaffirmed its commitment to aggressively monitor international mail and courier services. Enhanced cooperation with overseas law enforcement partners like the AFP and the deployment of more advanced scanning technologies are expected to bolster Thailand’s role in regional anti-narcotics efforts.
Further updates are expected as the investigation develops.
