Japan drops charges against Thai woman accused of meth smuggling

Japanese prosecutors have dropped charges against a Thai woman arrested on July 12 at Fukuoka International Airport after immigration officials found about 900 grammes of crystal methamphetamine concealed in packets of instant coffee in her luggage.

Areepak Ngernbamroong, deputy secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), said today that Japanese prosecutors had concluded there was insufficient evidence to prove that the woman was linked to a transnational drug trafficking syndicate.

The woman, 28-year-old Jutatip Thongnoi, is currently being held by Japanese immigration authorities pending deportation. Once she returns to Thailand, she will be questioned by ONCB officials and officers from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau in an effort to identify those behind the drug trafficking operation, Areepak said.

Areepak added that, although Jutatip will not face prosecution in Japan, the case should serve as a stern reminder to people who agree to act as couriers for overseas deliveries in exchange for money without checking the contents of the packages they are asked to carry.

The ONCB deputy secretary-general also warned that taking goods out of Thailand without going through proper customs procedures is punishable by up to 10 years' imprisonment and/or a fine of up to four times the value of the goods. Jutatip is expected to return to Thailand tomorrow.