Police have identified a Thai woman known as RoseRose as a suspected key figure in a cross-border drug network accused of using a Thai Airways flight attendant to smuggle heroin to Australia.
The Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) has expanded its investigation following the arrest of Ekkawit Yongnichakul, alias RinRin, an alleged coordinator in the network.
Investigators identified RoseRose as Chantra, a Thai woman of Hmong descent believed to be Mr Ekkawit's elder sister-in-law and a key figure directing the operation.
Metropolitan Police Bureau deputy commissioner Pol Maj Gen Theeradej Thamsuthee said police were working with neighbouring countries and Australia to locate RoseRose and another suspect known as Dear, who is believed to have received the drugs in Australia.
RoseRose is believed to have fled to Laos, and police are preparing to seek a court warrant for her arrest.
Pol Maj Gen Theeradej said RoseRose is linked to a transnational drug trafficking family. Her former husband is the younger brother of the son-in-law of Col Chalobo, a major drug trafficker operating along the northern border and a former deputy commander of the 171st Military Control Headquarters of the United Wa State Army's Southern Force.
Police allege RoseRose directed the network through Mr Ekkawit, instructing him to obtain an elephant-patterned bag, recruit couriers and arrange deliveries. She allegedly smuggled heroin from Laos into Thailand, concealed it in luggage and coordinated its transport to Australia.
The investigation stems from the arrest of Thai Airways flight attendant Meena at Melbourne Airport on June 25 after Australian authorities allegedly found about one kilogramme of heroin in her luggage.
