BANGKOK — A Canadian man was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport after Thai customs officers discovered he was allegedly attempting to smuggle 3,235 grams (3.2 kilograms) of heroin out of Thailand, hidden inside luggage bound for Taiwan.
The arrest occurred after customs officials noticed irregularities with the suspect’s suitcase, which appeared heavier and thicker than typical luggage of its size. Officers decided to conduct a closer inspection using an X-ray machine, revealing suspicious shapes inside the bags.
The suspect, whose name has not been publicly released, was asked to open his luggage. Inside, customs officers found several women’s handbags packed with clothes and shoes. However, the officers detected unusual stitching and thickness in the bags, prompting them to cut them open for further examination.
Hidden within the walls of the handbags and the lining of the suitcase were numerous grey packages tightly wrapped in black tape, carbon paper, and plastic. Tests on the powdery substance inside confirmed it was heroin.
In total, officials seized 3,235 grams of heroin, with an estimated street value exceeding 1 million baht (about $30,770 USD). The Canadian suspect was reportedly scheduled to board a China Airlines flight from Bangkok to Taiwan.
Thai authorities have since transferred the suspect into the custody of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau for further investigation. Officials believe the man may be linked to a broader drug trafficking network.
According to the Thai Customs Department, there have been 28 separate heroin seizures so far in the 2025 fiscal year, amounting to a combined total of roughly 97.87 kilograms.
Thailand classifies heroin as a Category I narcotic under the Narcotics Act B.E. 2522 (1979). Penalties for trafficking large quantities can include life imprisonment or, in extreme cases, the death penalty—particularly for amounts exceeding 20 grams with intent to distribute. However, Thailand has reportedly not carried out the death penalty for drug offenses since 2009.
For possession without intent to distribute, sentences range from 1 to 10 years in prison and fines from 20,000 to 200,000 baht ($600–$6,000 USD). Those convicted of trafficking or selling heroin can face between 4 years imprisonment and the death penalty, with fines of 80,000 to 5,000,000 baht ($2,400–$150,000 USD).
Foreign nationals convicted of drug trafficking in Thailand can sometimes be extradited after serving part of their sentence, but this is uncommon in drug-related cases.
Thai officials warn travelers that drug trafficking laws are strictly enforced and carry some of the harshest penalties in the world.
