‘All suspects identified’ in flight crew heroin smuggling case

Targets include drug suppliers in Laos, couriers in Thailand and recipients abroad

PUBLISHED : 7 Jul 2026 at 16:17

Authorities have identified all members of the gang that used a Thai flight attendant to smuggle heroin into Australia, including suspects in Laos, according to the Office of the Narcotics Control Board.

The full names of drug suppliers in Laos, couriers in Thailand and intended recipients overseas were all known, ONCB secretary-general Suriya Singhakamol said on Tuesday.

He said the gang was linked to four cases involving heroin that was seized in Bangkok before being smuggled into Australia and Taiwan.

The same group arranged for a Thai Airways attendant, identified as Meena, to carry tote bags that had 1.8 kilogrammes of heroin hidden in them on a flight to Melbourne, where she was arrested on June 25.

Ms Meena, 26, is in custody in Australia and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of drug smuggling. Her first court appearance is scheduled for Sept 14. She has maintained that she did not know she was carrying drugs.

“The gang used flight attendants and members of the public who privately offer courier services aboard flights, as well as students and people who frequently travelled abroad — anyone who would offer to sell their luggage weight quota,” Pol Maj Gen Suriya said.

He said he expected arrest warrants to be issued by next week for the suspects, including those in Laos, the drug suppliers and people making financial transactions for the gang.

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Commentary: Innocent until proven ignorant?