Hong Kong money laundering convict arrested with 350kg of meth in Thailand
A Hong Kong money laundering convict was arrested in Thailand with more than 350 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine.
Huang, 26, had just been released in August after serving a 42-month sentence for money laundering when he allegedly flew to Thailand to work as a drug packer.
A transnational drug network of Hong Kong nationals reportedly arranged a house for him in Bangkok's Rom Klao area and delivered the drugs to the property.
Police raided the home on Thursday, September 24, following intelligence that a smuggling gang was using it as a drug storage and repackaging site.
Footage shows armed officers surrounding the luxury house in the Min Buri district as they demanded the occupants open the door. They then swept into the rooms before detaining Huang, who claimed to live there alone.
Police seized more than 700 million THB of crystal methamphetamine contained in three large plastic barrels, weighing over 771.6 pounds (350 kilograms) in total.
They also discovered grinding equipment, packaging materials, a vacuum sealer, and modified cardboard boxes used to conceal narcotics prior to export.
Huang was charged with possessing Category 1 narcotics for commercial distribution.
He allegedly told investigators he was paid between 50,000 and 60,000 HKD for the job.
A background check with Hong Kong authorities found he had previously been jailed for 42 months for money laundering and was released on August 15. He was also reportedly linked to more than six scam cases in Hong Kong.
Police said Huang had entered Thailand from Malaysia on September 14 on a tourist visa and received the drugs from the network two days later.
Police Major General Pattanasak Bubphasuwan, commander of the Crime Suppression Division, said: ‘The suspect and seized items were handed over to the inquiry officer of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau for further legal proceedings.'
Police said they were expanding the investigation to identify the people who arranged the property, supplied the drugs and allegedly directed the operation.
