Thai Nationals Residing Illegally Caught by Customs Smuggling Liquid Methamphetamine

Two Thai nationals residing illegally in Korea were caught by customs authorities while attempting to smuggle liquid methamphetamine, commonly known as "ice," into the country by concealing it in cosmetic bottles.

On September 29, Incheon Airport Customs Headquarters, Korea Customs Service, announced that it had apprehended and detained two Thai nationals, Ms. A (35, female) and Ms. B (36, female), for violating the Act on the Control of Narcotics.

Cosmetic bottles used by Mr. A and others for smuggling liquid methamphetamine. Provided by Incheon Airport Customs Headquarters, Korea Customs Service

In early July, Incheon Airport Customs discovered two bottles (32.67g) of liquid methamphetamine hidden in cosmetic containers during a thorough inspection of express cargo arriving from Thailand. Investigators were dispatched to the delivery location, where Ms. A was arrested on the spot.

During the interrogation of Ms. A, authorities identified her accomplice, Ms. B, and subsequently apprehended her at her residence in Paju. A search of Ms. B's home uncovered empty cosmetic bottles similar to those previously seized, as well as paraphernalia used for methamphetamine consumption.

Forensic analysis of their mobile phones revealed that both Ms. A and Ms. B had already been addicted to methamphetamine while living in Thailand. Incheon Airport Customs also uncovered evidence that they had smuggled an additional 15g of methamphetamine into Korea using the same method.

Incheon Airport Customs is currently conducting an international joint investigation, sharing information about the sender in Thailand obtained during the investigation with Thai law enforcement agencies.

An official from Incheon Airport Customs stated, "There is a growing trend of using everyday items such as cosmetics, health supplements, and food products as disguises to evade customs drug enforcement. We will continue to focus on thorough inspections to block the inflow of narcotics into the country."