Thailand authorities recently made a significant discovery when they uncovered over 700 pounds of ketamine hidden inside lifesize Transformer robot statues. The bust, which occurred on April 25, revealed a troubling drug trafficking issue involving transnational crime networks using Thailand as a base to smuggle drugs to third countries through international shipments via air or sea.
Meanwhile, Australian authorities seized approximately 220 pounds of methamphetamine on March 12. An unidentified woman attempted to smuggle the drugs inside a food processing machine, prompting authorities to monitor her activities closely. Subsequently, the woman tried to transport an even larger quantity of drugs concealed within lifesize statues of popular Transformers characters, intending to send them to a movie exhibition in Taiwan.
Reportedly, the woman paid a shipping company around $4,800 for assistance in transporting the statues. Authorities revealed that she had received instructions from another unidentified woman in Laos, who was set to receive the drugs. The narcotics board indicated that the drugs originated in Cambodia, with ongoing efforts to identify any accomplices in Taiwan.
Thai authorities have been vigilant in intercepting drug shipments, seizing more than four tons of crystal meth, two tons of ketamine, and over 580 pounds of heroin in recent busts. The narcotics board emphasized that these drugs were likely destined for lucrative markets in nearby regions such as Australia, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.
Police Lt. Gen. Phanurat Lhakbun highlighted the collaborative efforts between the ONCB and various task forces to combat drug trafficking, including the Airport Interdiction Task Force and the Seaport Interdiction Task Force. These initiatives aim to suppress and intercept drugs at key points of entry and exit, safeguarding communities from the harmful effects of illicit substances.
