Phuket —
Authorities at Phuket International Airport arrested a 60-year-old American man, identified only as Mr. Tyler, for attempting to smuggle 6.6 kilograms of heroin out of the country hidden in boxes of powdered creamer.
The Phuket Immigration told the Phuket Express that the arrest took place on July 16th, 2025, during check-in procedures, as part of a coordinated operation involving the Phuket Tourist Police, Narcotics Suppression Units, and Customs officials. Officers reportedly received intelligence from a foreign agency on July 14, prompting surveillance on the suspect’s movements from his residence to the airport.
The narcotics were discovered via airport X-ray scanning systems, concealed in 10 containers of non-dairy creamer. Mr. Tyler claimed the bag belonged to a French friend and that he was asked to transport it to France. His flight itinerary was set to route through Phuket – Doha – Brussels – France.
Police General Saksira Phueak-Am, Commander of the Tourist Police Bureau, has ordered an immediate expansion of the investigation to track down any co-conspirators and determine the full scope of the smuggling network.
