Nearly 5.8kg of Heroin Hidden in Seat Cushions Seized in Thailand
Nearly 5.8kg of Heroin Hidden in Seat Cushions Seized in Thailand
Phrae, Thailand, 3 July 2026 — Police in northern Thailand have uncovered a heroin smuggling operation after nearly 5.8 kilogrammes of heroin concealed inside seat cushions destined for overseas shipment was seized in Phrae province, prompting authorities to warn parcel forwarding businesses and the public to remain vigilant against similar trafficking attempts.
The seizure was disclosed by officers from Den Chai Police Station following an investigation that began on 15 May 2026. Investigators were alerted after an international parcel forwarding company became suspicious of a shipment containing 20 seat cushions prepared for export.
According to police, parcel company staff noticed that each cushion weighed more than one kilogramme, making the shipment unusually heavy. After inspecting the contents, they discovered white powder embedded within the fibre filling, which fell out when the material was shaken. Laboratory testing later confirmed the substance was heroin weighing approximately 5,762 grammes, which was seized as evidence.
Investigators determined that the shipment originated in Nakhon Phanom province and had been arranged through a parcel forwarding service advertised on social media. Police said the sender allegedly used a forged Thai identity card when dispatching the goods.
The parcel company cooperated with investigators by providing communication records, payment information and shipment details, helping police trace the operation. Authorities later identified the suspect’s use of forged identification documents and obtained arrest warrants for two suspects.
Den Chai Police have urged parcel forwarding businesses and individuals who transport goods on behalf of others to exercise caution, particularly when offered unusually high fees or asked to deliver sealed packages that appear excessively heavy or lack clear information about the sender. Officers also advised the public not to allow others to use their personal bank accounts or identities for shipping transactions and to immediately notify police if suspicious parcels are discovered.
Manager Online reported that investigators are continuing to examine the wider trafficking network and are working to identify additional individuals linked to the operation. Police have reiterated their appeal for parcel operators and members of the public to remain alert to help prevent further attempts to smuggle illegal drugs overseas.
