Thai Officials Uncover Cannabis Smuggling Scheme to the UK
British tourists recruited to smuggle cannabis via free Thai holidays
Thai authorities have exposed a scheme where British tourists are lured with free holidays to Thailand in exchange for smuggling cannabis back to the UK.
Pol Lt Gen Phanurat Lukboon from Thailand's Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) detailed the operation, highlighting the involvement of British nationals recruited through the Telegram app.
These individuals were offered travel benefits including accommodation and spending money.
The ONCB, in collaboration with the UK's National Crime Agency, has intensified efforts to curb these illegal activities, as cannabis seizures in the UK have increased significantly this year.
Recently, the ONCB seized a parcel containing 210 grams of a precursor for ecstasy, sent from the UK to two foreigners in Bangkok.
A subsequent search at their residence revealed 36kg of cannabis and other drug-related materials.
The suspects, who had entered Thailand as tourists, were reportedly planning to ship the cannabis to the UK disguised as ordinary parcels.
The Thai government, which legalized cannabis in June 2022, is collaborating closely with British authorities to prevent the illicit trafficking of cannabis from Thailand to the UK.
Pol Lt Gen Phanurat Lukboon from Thailand's Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) detailed the operation, highlighting the involvement of British nationals recruited through the Telegram app.
These individuals were offered travel benefits including accommodation and spending money.
The ONCB, in collaboration with the UK's National Crime Agency, has intensified efforts to curb these illegal activities, as cannabis seizures in the UK have increased significantly this year.
Recently, the ONCB seized a parcel containing 210 grams of a precursor for ecstasy, sent from the UK to two foreigners in Bangkok.
A subsequent search at their residence revealed 36kg of cannabis and other drug-related materials.
The suspects, who had entered Thailand as tourists, were reportedly planning to ship the cannabis to the UK disguised as ordinary parcels.
The Thai government, which legalized cannabis in June 2022, is collaborating closely with British authorities to prevent the illicit trafficking of cannabis from Thailand to the UK.
