DrugSmuggling – Two Thai Women Held in Kolkata With Suspected MDMA Consignment
DrugSmuggling –Kolkata Police have arrested two Thai women on charges of allegedly smuggling banned narcotic substances into the city while posing as tourists. The arrests were made on Tuesday by the Special Task Force (STF), which said the accused had arrived from Bangkok on tourist visas and were carrying MDMA, a prohibited synthetic drug commonly known as Ecstasy in tablet form and Molly in crystal or granular form. Officials believe the women were planning to deliver the consignment to local contacts operating in Kolkata.
STF Operation Leads to Arrest in Bhowanipore
According to the police, the accused have been identified as Supawadi Sukuliyat and Suthuwana Kut, both Thai nationals. Investigators said they landed at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on Tuesday morning before travelling to the Bhowanipore area in south Kolkata.
Acting on specific intelligence, STF officers conducted a raid at the hotel where the women had reportedly checked in. During the search, officers recovered around 20 grams of suspected MDMA concealed among their belongings. Police estimated the seized narcotics to have a market value exceeding Rs 1 lakh.
Intelligence Inputs Pointed to International Drug Network
Officials said the arrests followed weeks of surveillance based on intelligence suggesting that synthetic drugs were being transported from Bangkok and other parts of Thailand into Kolkata. Investigators had received information indicating that foreign suppliers were allegedly working with local intermediaries to move prohibited substances into the city.
According to police sources, the seized drugs were expected to be handed over to agents linked to an alleged trafficking network operating in Kolkata. Authorities are now examining the identities of those who were expected to receive the consignment and whether the case is connected to a larger cross-border narcotics operation.
Probe Focuses on Smuggling Techniques
During preliminary questioning, the two women reportedly told investigators that they had received training in methods used to transport illegal drugs without attracting attention during airport security checks. Police are verifying these claims as part of the ongoing investigation.
The STF is also trying to determine whether the accused had previously travelled to India or other countries using similar methods to smuggle narcotics. Officials are reviewing travel records and other evidence to establish whether this was an isolated incident or part of a recurring operation.
Weekend Party Drug Demand Under Scanner
Investigators believe there has been increasing demand for synthetic drugs such as MDMA among a section of party-goers in Kolkata, particularly during weekend gatherings and rave events. Intelligence agencies have also indicated that traffickers often rely on encrypted communication channels, including the dark web and trusted intermediaries, to coordinate drug transactions and evade law enforcement.
Police said these networks typically involve overseas suppliers and local distributors working together to move illegal substances into the city before they are circulated among buyers.
Search Continues for Local Associates
The investigation has now expanded beyond the two arrested women. STF officials are attempting to identify individuals in Kolkata who allegedly arranged accommodation, logistics and delivery of the narcotics after their arrival.
Police said several leads are being examined, and efforts are underway to trace members of the suspected local trafficking network. The accused remain in custody as investigators continue questioning them and collecting evidence related to the case.
Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing, and further action will depend on the findings emerging from the interrogation and forensic examination of the seized substances.