Bangkok, Thailand – A 71-year-old Latvian man has been arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport after officials discovered three kilograms of heroin hidden inside a foldable stretcher in his luggage. The arrest, which took place on June 22, was the result of a joint operation by Thailand’s Immigration Bureau and the Customs Department, following a tip-off from airport investigators.
Authorities Intercept Suspicious Traveller En Route from Laos to Malaysia
The suspect, identified as Mr. Guntars Lukstins, had flown from Laos to Bangkok on Thai Airways flight TG571 and was scheduled to board a connecting flight to Malaysia later that afternoon. Although his stopover in Thailand was brief, his travel behaviour raised concerns among airport officials.
Investigators noted that Mr. Lukstins had no checked luggage when he entered Laos, but upon returning to Bangkok, he checked in a single 9-kilogram bag. This unusual change in baggage prompted authorities to conduct a thorough search.
Inside the red canvas bag, officials discovered a stretcher-like object with hollow metal tubing. Hidden within the pipes were 47 cylindrical packages wrapped in brown plastic. On-site testing confirmed the contents to be heroin, with a total weight of approximately three kilograms. The estimated street value of the drugs is around $300,000 (approximately 11 million Thai baht).
Suspect Offers No Cooperation; Authorities Suspect Broader Drug Network
According to police, Mr. Lukstins did not cooperate during questioning. He reportedly spoke only Russian and refused to answer questions, even with the help of interpreters. Based on his travel route and the concealment method used, investigators believe the heroin was likely smuggled from Laos and that Mr. Lukstins may be part of a larger international drug trafficking operation.
Laos, which shares a long border with Thailand, is part of the “Golden Triangle” region—historically one of the world’s major drug-producing areas. Thailand, due to its central location and extensive transport infrastructure, is sometimes used as a transit point by traffickers moving narcotics between neighbouring countries and beyond.
Ongoing Investigation Highlights Thailand’s Anti-Drug Efforts
Mr. Lukstins has been handed over to the Investigation and Suppression Division of the Thai Customs Department for further legal action. Officials say a more detailed announcement will be made as the investigation progresses.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Chengron Rimphidi, Commander of Immigration Bureau Division 2, emphasised that the operation was part of a broader initiative to strengthen border security and combat transnational crimes. This initiative follows directives from top leadership within the Royal Thai Police and the Immigration Bureau.
The arrest underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation at Thailand’s international gateways and reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to addressing narcotics trafficking through coordinated intelligence and enforcement.
