ONCB says it knows which company shipped drug haul to Australia

ONCB secretary-general Wichai Chaimongkol said the cargo had been loaded on a Chinese vessel, which left Laem Chabang on March 25.

“The cargo was then transferred to a Portuguese vessel in Singapore and arrived in Australia on April 30,” he said.

The Australian Border Force (ABF) intercepted the vessel on May 4 when it docked at Port Botany in Sydney.

He added that the ONCB and Narcotics Suppression Bureau is investigating to see whether the company that shipped the cargo was involved in drug trade or if it had been hired by someone else.

“The board will investigate and confiscate assets from all involved in line with the Justice Ministry’s policy,” he said.

He added that ONCB will also meet with representatives of the Australian Federation Police in Thailand to exchange information in a couple of days.

“We will announce any progress that is made as soon as possible,” he added.

Meanwhile, ABF on Monday launched an investigation into the 316 kilos of crystalised meth or “ice” found hidden in 62 large cardboard boxes labelled as food items and electric barbeque grills.

The drug haul is estimated to have a street value of A$94.5 million or about 2.29 billion baht.

ABF will be investigating the case jointly with New South Wales Police, the Australian Federal Police and NSW Crime Commission.