BANGKOK, Thailand – Metropolitan Police Division 1 officers arrested two Maldivian nationals and seized 2.37 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and about 10 kilograms of cannabis allegedly hidden inside parcels prepared for overseas shipment. The suspects were identified as Ali, 46, and Mohamed, 34. Police said the crystal meth was concealed inside eight stainless-steel insulated tumblers, with each containing about 200–300 grams. The cannabis was tightly wrapped in children’s clothing and packed among toys and other children’s items.
The investigation began on October 5 after a cargo company employee in the Pratunam area became suspicious of the strong smell coming from several large parcels. The employee refused to accept the shipment and contacted police. Investigators later found the parcels stored beneath a residential building in Soi Phetchaburi 11 in Ratchathewi district, where the suspects were allegedly preparing to use another delivery company. Police said officers moved in when they saw the two men attempting to load the parcels into a tuk-tuk. A search uncovered the methamphetamine and cannabis, along with five large shipping boxes.
The suspects were taken to Phaya Thai Police Station and face charges of jointly possessing and intending to sell Category 1 narcotics, including methamphetamine, without permission.
Both men denied the charges, telling police that a friend had asked them to send the parcels to cargo services bound for India and that they did not know the packages contained illegal substances.
Police said they remain unconvinced and are investigating possible links to a wider international drug-smuggling network.
