Thai customs officials have detained a Canadian national at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport after he allegedly attempted to smuggle more than 3 kilograms of heroin hidden in women’s handbags. The narcotics, valued at over 1 million baht (approximately USD 30,770), were bound for Taiwan.
The arrest took place on the morning of June 30 when customs officers became suspicious of the passenger’s luggage, which appeared unusually heavy and thick. An X-ray scan revealed objects resembling narcotics concealed inside. Officials then invited the man for a detailed inspection.
During the search, authorities discovered several brown and black women’s handbags packed among clothing and shoes. Hidden within the lining of a rolling suitcase were gray packages wrapped in black tape. When unwrapped, the parcels contained carbon paper, plastic bags, and white powder that later tested positive for heroin.
Further examination of the two handbags revealed fresh stitching and abnormally thick walls. Officers cut open the bags and found additional concealed packages containing the same substance. In total, 3,235 grams of heroin were confiscated.
According to officials, the Canadian was scheduled to board a China Airlines flight to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. He now faces serious charges under Thai law, including attempting to export Category 1 narcotics—a classification that covers the most severe drug offences—and illegal possession of heroin without authorisation. The case has been handed over to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, Thailand’s main agency responsible for investigating drug trafficking networks.
A spokesperson for the Thai Customs Department noted that between October 2024 and June 2025, customs authorities had seized heroin in 28 separate cases, totalling nearly 98 kilograms.
Thailand enforces strict anti-narcotics laws, with severe penalties for possession, trafficking, and export of illegal drugs. Travellers passing through the country’s airports are advised to exercise caution with their luggage to avoid unwitting involvement in smuggling activities.
