On May 29, Lao authorities confiscated 5.8 kilograms of heroin hidden in aluminum-lined blankets within two travel bags during a routine inspection, resulting in the arrest of a 70-year-old Dutch national. The operation was carried out by officers from the Investigation and Anti-Smuggling Division in collaboration with customs officials, immigration police, and international terminal protocol staff. This seizure is part of a series of significant drug-related activities at Wattay International Airport in late May, where authorities have seized over 134 kilograms of narcotics and apprehended several international suspects, underscoring the country's heightened commitment to combating drug trafficking.
Two days prior, on May 27, three Malaysian nationals were apprehended while attempting to smuggle 103 packages of marijuana, weighing a total of 86 kilograms, into Germany. The drugs were found during routine screening, hidden inside six suitcases belonging to the suspects.
On May 22, authorities arrested a Bulgarian citizen after uncovering 14 kilograms of heroin concealed in 14 packets within bags of animal feed and coffee, which were intended for international shipment.
The day before, officers seized 31 packets of heroin, totaling 28.5 kilograms, from three suspicious bags belonging to a passenger from an undisclosed African country. The drugs were similarly hidden in bags of animal feed and coffee. All four cases are currently under further investigation by the Lao Ministry of Public Security.
