British man’s high-stakes Thailand trip goes up in smoke

A British man was dramatically arrested at Heathrow Airport after allegedly attempting to smuggle a staggering £1 million (44 million baht) worth of cannabis into the country –while travelling with his two young children.

Nathaniel Benson, from Leeds, West Yorkshire, had just landed from Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday, September 18, when sharp-eyed Border Force officers swooped. Officers claim they discovered a whopping 160 packages of cannabis stashed in five suitcases – with one of the bags reportedly checked under one of his children’s names.

Investigators from the National Crime Agency (NCA) weighed in on the jaw-dropping haul, totalling over 100 kilogrammes of the illegal drug, easily worth a cool million on the streets. Following a grill session with the NCA, the 44 year old drug smuggler found himself slapped with serious charges for importing Class B drugs.

Dragged before Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Friday, Benson was promptly remanded in custody and is now set to reappear at Isleworth Crown Court on October 24. Meanwhile, a 41 year old woman from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, who was travelling with the family, was also nicked but later released on bail.

NCA senior investigating officer Ian Truby pulled no punches, stating, “Working hand in hand with Border Force, we’re putting the squeeze on drug smugglers. If you’re tempted to get involved, think twice – a comfy cell awaits if you’re caught and convicted.”

Just last August, the NCA sounded the alarm for travellers from hotspots like Thailand, Canada, and the US, warning that the penalties for smuggling cannabis are no holiday joke. The agency revealed a shocking surge in cannabis seizures this year, clocking in at over three times last year’s total, reported National World.

Recruiters reportedly luring couriers with tales of mere fines might want to think again. The harsh reality? A potential 14-year stint behind bars if convicted of cannabis smuggling in the UK.

In related news, professional footballer Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged in a sensational attempt to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through Stansted Airport.

The 33 year old striker, currently playing for Scottish Championship side Greenock Morton, was nabbed by National Crime Agency (NCA) officers at dawn yesterday, September 18, in Gourock, Inverclyde. Thomas was later sacked by Morton.