Bangkok: The Central Investigation Bureau, in collaboration with regional task forces and local police, successfully intercepted a high-capability drone smuggling operation that was attempting to breach the border into Myanmar.
According to Thai News Agency, the operation saw the CIB working alongside the Naresuan Task Force, the Rajamanu Task Force, and Mae Sot Police Station. This joint effort led to the arrest of Mr. Min Ni Zaw, a 28-year-old Myanmar national, who now faces charges under the Customs Act for his involvement in the illegal import and export of goods without customs clearance.
Authorities seized a total of four fully assembled FPV drones, seven drone frames ready for assembly, and 16 additional items such as motors, cameras, and control boards. The interception took place at a restaurant located along the Asian Highway in the Mae Sot Subdistrict, Tak Province. The operation was initiated following intelligence reports that indicated the illegal movement of FPV drones through the Mae Sot district, destined for Myanmar.
The investigation commenced with the inspection of a shipping company in Mae Sot, where two suspicious packages from Chiang Mai were identified. These packages, tracked to Mr. Min, were found to contain numerous drones and parts that had been imported illegally. A further search of Mr. Min's residence uncovered another package with similar contents. Mr. Min was unable to provide the necessary import documents, leading to his arrest and the confiscation of the items.
The FPV drones seized are notable for their advanced technology, enabling them to operate in complex environments with high speed and efficient transmission systems. These capabilities posed a potential threat to national security, making the successful intervention crucial for maintaining border stability.
During questioning, Mr. Min denied ownership of the items, claiming he was unaware of their contents and that he had merely accepted the packages on behalf of an unknown individual. Despite his claims, authorities remain skeptical and continue to pursue the investigation to identify additional individuals involved in the smuggling network.
The Economic Crime Suppression Division has issued a warning to the public regarding the legal consequences of possessing untaxed goods, emphasizing that such actions are punishable by imprisonment and fines. The division remains committed to proactive measures aimed at preventing and addressing violations of the law.