CANNABIS seizures have soared to record highs at UK airports — as Thai smuggling gangs attempt to dominate the British market in the illegal drug.
The amount caught at Heathrow alone last year — 14.7 tons — was almost triple the 5.6 tons snared at all airports during 2023.
2
Nearly 27 tons of cannabis were seized at British airports last year, 400 per cent up on the previous 12 months.
Some 750 people were caught by specialist cops, way up on the 134 nicked the year before.
Nearly two thirds were flying in from Thailand.
A record 430 suspects were arrested at Heathrow, the National Crime Agency said.
Next worst hotspots were Manchester with 135 arrests and 4.8 tons seized and Birmingham, where 40 people were arrested over 1.4 tons.
Thai gangs are thought to be trying to expand their stake in the British market by exploiting the Asian state’s decriminalising of the drug in 2022.
Many Brits are now caught trying to re-enter the UK with drugs having been lured to Thailand by the promise of a free holiday, lavish gifts and posh accommodation.
In return, they must bring back suitcases stuffed with drugs.
A source said: “It’s so much easier to obtain cannabis in Thailand than anywhere else.
“There is a huge amount of demand in the UK, especially for kush, which is much stronger. That explains the massive surge in seizures.”
More than 50 British nationals have been caught acting as drug mules on flights out of Thailand since the start of 2024.
They include Charlotte May Lee, 21, held in Sri Lanka after flying from Thailand allegedly with £1.2million worth of kush.
2
