Thai Airways cooperates with probe after crew member held over one-kilo heroin seizure in Melbourne

BANGKOK, June 30 — Thai aviation agencies have been working closely with relevant authorities in both Thailand and Australia after a Thai crew member was detained and heroin was seized by Australian officials in Melbourne, reported Xinhua.

Thai Airways International released a statement on a Facebook page on Monday, noting that it will ascertain the full facts of the case and cooperate with law enforcement in line with local legal procedures.

A statement from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on Monday said that Australian Border Force officers screened the 26-year-old Thai national’s bags when an international flight that she was working on landed at Melbourne Airport on Thursday.

During an X-ray examination of the bags, officers discovered a white powder concealed within their lining. The AFP said that more than 1kg of heroin was seized.

Thai Airways stressed it strictly enforces regulations for all employees, including pilots and flight attendants, prohibiting any employee from possessing, importing, transporting, or engaging in any illegal activities involving drugs or other prohibited substances.

Based on preliminary information, the airline stated the matter concerns the individual conduct of the crew member, who is now subject to Australia’s formal judicial process.

The carrier has engaged relevant authorities to safeguard the staff member’s fundamental legal rights and pledged complete cooperation with all investigating officers.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), the national civil aviation security regulator, also said on Monday that it has coordinated with airport operators and relevant carriers to verify facts and review operational procedures.

The regulator confirmed all passenger and baggage security screenings across Thailand comply with its internal rules and align with standards and guidance set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

CAAT explained that aviation security checks aim to prevent prohibited items from being carried on board, while narcotics-related law enforcement operations fall under the jurisdiction of competent statutory authorities, requiring integrated cross-agency cooperation at home and abroad.

Noting that it has collaborated with the airline to follow up on preliminary investigations, CAAT said that if the involved personnel are found guilty, it will take regulatory actions under its powers stipulated by aviation laws, to uphold safety standards and public trust in Thailand’s civil aviation system. — Bernama-Xinhua