Drug Mule Arrested, Apologizes to Flight Attendant Caught in Australia

The report begins by detailing the arrest of a Thai Airways flight attendant in Melbourne, Australia, for drug smuggling.

Authorities announce the arrest of Uthai, the man identified as the supplier of heroin to the flight attendant.

Footage shows the moment police arrested Uthai, 47, a Hmong ethnic man from Nan province, in Phitsanulok.

Uthai is revealed to have hired a car owner to transport a package containing 12 bags of heroin to the flight attendant, Meena.

CCTV footage shows Uthai leaving the package containing the heroin-filled bags at the base of Meena's condominium in Bang Na.

Uthai was arrested at an old bus station in Phitsanulok while attempting to flee. Police searched his apartment in Ayutthaya.

During the search, police found eight more elephant-patterned bags similar to those found with Meena, containing heroin residue.

Forensic analysis using FTIR technology confirms the white powder found is heroin with nearly 90% purity.

Deputy National Police Chief Samran Nuam-an questions Uthai about the bags used to conceal the drugs.

Uthai confesses to receiving the heroin from a masked individual in Chiang Kham, Phayao, and claims this is not his first time.

Uthai reveals he was paid 60,000 baht per trip, totaling 180,000 baht for three trips, while paying Meena only 3,400 baht.

Uthai describes his role as packaging and sending the bags, and mentions being contacted by individuals using codenames via Line.

Police plan to investigate the codenames 'Rin Rin', 'Rose', and 'Pang' used by the drug network.

Uthai recounts receiving 18 bags on June 20, 2569, with 12 going to Meena and 6 distributed differently.

Uthai admits to delivering 8 bags to a woman in Soi Suea Yai and 12 bags to Meena in Bang Na on June 22, 2569.

The 8 bags sent to Soi Suea Yai were returned after Meena's arrest. Uthai admits to destroying evidence by flushing heroin down the toilet.

Police confirm that the man in the CCTV footage delivering the package to Meena is indeed Uthai, based on his confession and matching attire.

Uthai apologizes to Meena and her family for his actions, stating he did not know her personally.

Uthai faces charges including conspiracy to distribute Type 1 narcotics (heroin) with intent to sell and exporting it illegally.

Police continue to investigate the entire drug trafficking network, focusing on both the origin and destination of the drugs.

A street vendor describes Uthai as a regular customer who often appeared intoxicated and wore distinctive, concealing clothing.

The street vendor expresses shock and dismay that a regular customer turned out to be involved in such a serious crime.

Footage shows Uthai being apprehended in Phitsanulok, wearing similar attire to the CCTV footage from the delivery.

A motorcycle taxi driver recounts Uthai's arrival at the bus station, his request for accommodation, and his suspicious demeanor.

At the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Bureau, Uthai reiterates that he does not know Meena and apologizes to her family.

Uthai admits to engaging in drug trafficking for the past 3-4 months due to financial problems and low income.

Police believe the transnational drug network is highly experienced, operates as a team, and is linked to online scammer groups.

Chat logs reveal communication between an account named 'ROS Road' and Meena, discussing the logistics of transporting the heroin-filled bags.

The chat includes details about the bag dimensions and confirmation that someone would pick up the items in Melbourne.

Atirach, the driver who transported Uthai, testifies about his involvement, claiming he was unaware of the drug content.

The car used for transport was registered under a relative's name due to Pe's past drug-related convictions.

The car owner believes Pe might have been a victim, unaware of the drug smuggling, and simply thought he was doing deliveries.

The car was at a repair shop for a cracked windshield, not to be hidden, according to the owner.

The report concludes with ongoing investigations into the drug network.