Suvarnabhumi Airport launches 24/7 canine drug sweeps

The Patrol and Special Operation Division (PSD), commonly known as the 191 Police, has deployed canine units to Suvarnabhumi Airport for round-the-clock baggage sweeps and X-ray screenings for drugs.

The heightened security measure aims to interdict international drug trafficking networks and raise the country's aviation safety protocols to international standards.

The anti-narcotics operation sees 191 officers joining forces with Airports of Thailand (AoT) and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB).

Trained police dogs and their handlers have begun conducting intensive scent-detection sweeps and luggage screenings on outbound passengers, starting with Thai Airways Flight TG461 from Bangkok to Melbourne, Australia.

Authorities confirm that random checks on baggage and cargo will be carried out across all flights, 24-7.

Pol Maj Gen Worawit Yanchinda, commander of the Patrol and Special Operation Division, stated that the operation is in response to the government's proactive anti-drug policies and direct orders from the national police chief.

He emphasised the necessity of integrating intelligence sharing and suppression efforts among all relevant agencies, to close security loopholes and prevent illicit substances from being smuggled through international airports.

To support the operation, the Royal Thai Police is mobilising additional canine units from various departments to work alongside the Customs Department's existing sniffer dogs.

This collaborative deployment is expected to increase the efficacy of contraband detection significantly, disrupt transnational drug syndicates and reinforce global confidence in Thailand’s aviation security standards.