A South African woman arrested at Phuket Airport is facing drug-related charges in Thailand after officials allegedly found 16kg of heroin hidden in pet food bags inside her luggage.
Thai media reported that customs officers, police and narcotics officials stopped the 32-year-old woman on 11 June 2026 while she was preparing to travel from Phuket to Entebbe International Airport in Uganda.
Heroin Allegedly Hidden in Pet Food Bags
According to The Phuket News, the arrest took place at about 6pm at Phuket International Airport’s international terminal. Customs officers worked with Sakhu Police and Thailand’s Narcotics Suppression Bureau during the operation.
Authorities allegedly found about 16kg of heroin concealed inside seven dog and cat food bags. The packages were reportedly packed in a blue wheeled suitcase and wrapped in plastic and black tape.
Khaosod English reported that the woman was stopped at the oversized baggage drop-off area on the third floor of the terminal. Officers also seized a Samsung mobile phone as evidence.
Thai officials estimated the seized heroin at about 48 million baht in Thailand. The Phuket News reported that the value could have been higher if the drugs had reached Uganda.
South African Woman Arrested at Phuket Airport Faces Charges
The South African woman arrested at Phuket Airport has been accused of attempting to export a Category 1 narcotic, heroin, from Thailand without permission. The Phuket News said she also faces charges under Thailand’s Narcotics Code and Customs Act.
The woman was handed to investigators at Sakhu Police Station for further legal processing. Khaosod English reported that police were continuing the investigation to determine the source of the drugs and whether the suspect was linked to a wider trafficking network.
Thai Customs states that it helps enforce customs and related laws for several government agencies. In this case, Thai reports said customs officers worked alongside police and narcotics officials.
Officials Probe Possible Wider Network
According to Khaosod English, Sakhu Police chief Pol Col Salan Santisasanakul reported the arrest to Phuket Provincial Police commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum on 13 June 2026.
No confirmed response from South African authorities or the suspect’s legal representatives was available in the reviewed reports.