Two Maldivian men were arrested by Thai police in Bangkok last Monday during an operation that led to the seizure of over two kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 10 kilograms of cannabis.
According to Thai media reports, the suspects have been identified as Ali Rasheed, 46, and Mohamed Wisam, 34. They were apprehended after drugs were discovered concealed inside large boxes intended for shipment at a cargo service in Bangkok’s Pratunam district.
The investigation was launched after police received information that a foreign national had brought heavily taped boxes to the cargo office for shipment. Suspicious of a strong odour emanating from the packages, cargo staff refused to accept the shipment and instructed that it be taken back.
Following this lead, police located the area where the boxes were being kept. While monitoring the site, officers intercepted the two men as they arrived with a tuk-tuk to transport the boxes.
During a search of the packages, authorities discovered 2.37 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine hidden inside flasks, with each container holding between 200 and 300 grams of the substance. Additionally, police found 10 kilograms of cannabis wrapped inside children's clothing within the same boxes.
The illicit substances were concealed among everyday items, including children's apparel and toy cars. Police seized a total of five large boxes and transported the two suspects to Phaya Thai Police Station.
The suspects are facing charges of possession of Category 1 narcotics with intent to sell without authorisation. However, both individuals have denied the allegations.
In their statements to the police, the men claimed they were unaware that the boxes contained drugs, asserting that a friend had asked them to send the shipment. They further explained that after the cargo office rejected the packages due to the smell, they had temporarily stored the items at their residence.
Thai authorities are currently investigating whether the suspects are linked to an international drug trafficking network. Police are also working to identify and locate other foreign nationals suspected of involvement in the case.
