Breaking News: New Measures Against Cannabis Smuggling from Thailand
British “mules” caught smuggling cannabis from Thailand face jail time and fines under new measures to combat drug trafficking. The National Crime Agency (NCA) issued this warning after a BBC investigation revealed gangs sending couriers from Bangkok to the UK.
The NCA is collaborating with Thai authorities and the Home Office to address the rise in smuggling attempts. Anyone attempting to fly cannabis out of Thailand will now pay 30,000 Baht (approximately £680) for each kilogram.
The number of smuggling cases has sharply increased. In 2022, 976 air passengers were arrested in the UK for cannabis smuggling, up from 142 in 2021. In the first half of 2023 alone, 600 couriers were arrested at UK airports.
Under the new rules, the average smuggler caught with 26 kg (57 lb) will face a fine of £17,680. Failure to pay may lead to up to two years in jail.
Beki Wright, head of the NCA’s borders threat team, cautioned that those caught could face life-altering consequences, including a criminal record and difficulty in future employment or travel.
