A South African man has been arrested at Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport after customs officials allegedly found 17.5kg of heroin hidden inside bags of coffee and green tea.
The suspect was arrested on 9 July 2026 during a routine inspection by Thailand’s Investigation and Suppression Division.
He had reportedly arrived on a flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia.
Authorities said the man was travelling through Thailand and planned to continue to Ivato International Airport in Madagascar when officials searched his luggage.
Drugs Valued at About R3.6 Million
Thailand’s Customs Department said the seized heroin was worth more than 7.3 million Thai baht, which is about R3.6 million.
Officials said the value could have increased to more than 22.75 million baht if the drugs had reached their reported destination in Madagascar.
The heroin was allegedly packed inside coffee and green tea bags in an apparent attempt to avoid detection during the airport inspection.
The Customs Department said the arrest reflected its continued efforts to stop narcotics from reaching communities.
Suspect Remains in Custody
The man now faces charges under Thailand’s Customs Act and the country’s Narcotics Code.
The charges relate to the alleged illegal importation of heroin, which Thailand classifies as a Category 1 narcotic.
The suspect remained in custody while investigators examined whether he may be linked to a wider international drug-smuggling network.
No details about his identity, age or hometown in South Africa were released.
Thai authorities have increased operations against drug trafficking groups using airports and other transport routes to move narcotics between countries.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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