Bangkok: Sirima Panyarpisit, once a Port Control Officer in Laem Chabang, Thailand, played a pivotal role in a significant drug bust, uncovering a large shipment of heroin. Her team meticulously weighed and inspected bricks of heroin, ensuring that every detail was logged for future investigations and prosecutions. This careful documentation aimed to enhance the port’s risk management strategies.
According to EMM, Sirima, now the Chief of the Customs Service Unit at Chiangdao Customs House, shares that Thailand is a crucial hub in Southeast Asia for intercepting illicit goods. The country is part of the Golden Triangle, alongside Laos and Myanmar, a region notorious for producing and distributing drugs such as opium, ketamine, and methamphetamine. Armed groups control parts of this area, posing challenges for policing efforts. The 2024 World Drug Report highlights the involvement of drug traffickers in other crimes, including wildlife trafficking and financial fraud, adversely affecting communities and the environment.
Sirima’s team often encounters illegal waste shipments from Europe, North America, and Asia, disguised as recyclable materials but containing hazardous waste like e-waste and plastics. These shipments violate Thailand’s national legislation and the Basel Convention on hazardous waste disposal. Mismanaged waste contributes to environmental degradation and health risks worldwide.
As a member of the local profiling committee at the Port Control Unit (PCU), Sirima analyzes data to enhance the detection of illicit goods. With over 10,000 shipments entering the port daily, her team must be precise and knowledgeable about local and global regulations, even during long shifts. Sirima’s expertise led to a notable 130-tonne illegal waste seizure in 2022.
For two decades, UNODC has supported efforts to strengthen port controls by training officers like Sirima. She has benefited from UNODC’s training and drug identification kits, which have been instrumental in her work. These tools enabled Sirima to detect a heroin shipment en route to Syria, resulting in a significant seizure with the collaboration of Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board.
Despite the pressure and demanding hours, Sirima finds fulfillment in her work, knowing her efforts contribute to the fight against illicit trade. “I’m proud of myself – even if nobody else knows,” she says.