SONGKHLA — Immigration officers in Songkhla province have arrested a 29-year-old Ugandan national, identified as Mr. Kazim, after discovering over 16.5 kilograms of cocaine valued at approximately 30 million baht ($890,000) in his possession. Authorities believe the drugs were being transported from Malaysia with Bangkok as the final destination.
The arrest came after an investigative team closely monitored the suspect following a tip-off. Officers had been observing the foreign national staying at a hotel in downtown Hat Yai until he emerged carrying a large suitcase with suspicious behavior. When approached by authorities, the suspect was found to have no entry stamp in his passport.
Officers invited Mr. Kazim to the Songkhla Immigration Office for further investigation. While awaiting the results, officers noticed the unusual weight of his luggage and conducted a search, revealing cocaine cleverly concealed in a backpack, shoulder bag, shirts, picture frames, and car parts. The drugs were packaged in 41 plastic bags with a total weight of approximately 16.5 kilograms.
During questioning, Mr. Kazim confessed that a fellow countryman had invited him to travel from Uganda to work in Malaysia. He was later offered US$1,000 to smuggle cocaine-filled luggage into Thailand for delivery to a recipient in Bangkok. He claimed that others would arrange his transportation route and vehicles throughout the journey.
The suspect had traveled from Malaysia’s Kelantan state into Thailand’s Narathiwat province before continuing to Hat Yai in Songkhla. He had planned to take a bus to Bangkok but was apprehended before he could complete his journey.
Authorities have charged Mr. Kazim with “importing Category 2 narcotics (cocaine) without permission” and “being a foreigner entering the Kingdom without permission.” All evidence has been seized for further legal proceedings.
Police Colonel Chinawut Tangwonglert, Superintendent of Songkhla Immigration, stated that Songkhla Immigration has received a policy directive to intensify efforts against transnational drug trafficking networks. He also requested public cooperation in reporting suspicious foreigners, illegal immigrants, or unauthorized workers to authorities immediately to help prevent crime in the area.
___________
