Thai Courier Deportation After Japanese Prosecutors Drop Drug Charges

A Thai woman who worked as a courier carrying parcels to Japan and was arrested on July 12 after crystal methamphetamine was found hidden in coffee sachets packed in her baggage is being deported to Thailand after Japanese prosecutors dropped charges against her, Amarin TV said today (July 31). Ms. Areephak Ngernbumroong, deputy secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) and its spokesperson, said Japanese prosecutors had initially informed the agency of the “dismissal” of charges against Ms. Jutathip Thongnoi, or Nong Thien, 28, who was arrested at Fukuoka Airport. The prosecutors had now to forward the case to Japanese Immigration Bureau for deportation to Thailand. It is unclear why the prosecutors decided to not indict Jutathip but it is speculated that this may be because of her denial of obtaining the drug and her testimony being helpful to Japanese authorities, she said, adding further details of this case still had to be confirmed. As for her return to Thailand, she can now travel without further approval from the prosecutors, but she must undergo the necessary immigration and customs procedures in Japan (which is two hours ahead of Thailand). Coordination with the Thai embassy regarding airfare and assistance for her return is also required. Going forward, ONCB will focus on expanding the investigation to track down those involved in the drug trafficking ring while the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) will handle the cases in Thailand. It is also still unclear whether Jutathip would be blacklisted and banned from entering Japan with an official report still awaited. Earlier this month Thai Airways International flight attendant, Ms. Meena, 28, was arrested at Melbourne Airport after one kilogramme of heroin was found hidden in 12 tote bags found in her luggage for which she had been paid 8,800 baht to carry there.