2.9 Kilos of Mephedrone Found in Protein Powder, Maldivian National Arrested
On November 14th, 2024, Pol. Lt. Gen. Panurat Lakboon, Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), held a press conference announcing a seizure of 2,989 grams of Category 1 narcotic mephedrone concealed in a whey protein container sent from the UK.
A Maldivian national was arrested while attempting to claim the package at a Bangkok courier facility.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Panurat stated that this operation follows a similar drug bust in June of 2024, where a Russian suspect was apprehended with 840 grams of mephedrone hidden in coffee capsules from Poland.
The names of the suspects were withheld by the officers, as they were tracking other members of the network.
The investigation also led to the discovery of MDMA, ecstasy, cocaine, ketamine, and other suspect substances, added Thai authorities.
Previously, Thai authorities foiled drug shipments to the UK and seized ecstasy and cannabis from British and Dutch nationals.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Panurat noted that mephedrone, a potent stimulant with effects similar to MDMA, is rare but potentially dangerous, sometimes mixed in “bath salts.”
Authorities are closely monitoring the emergence of new narcotics, such as fentanyl and 2CB from the U.S. and Europe, as well as locally sold “party candy” and “Happy Water” mixtures that have been spotted in Bangkok and Chonburi since 2021.
While mephedrone use remains limited to certain small groups in Thailand, vigilant monitoring continues, according to Pol. Lt. Gen. Panurat.
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