Dope busted: British nationals caught in Kho Samui cannabis caper
Four British nationals were collared in Thailand for their alleged role in a colossal cannabis smuggling scheme. The suspects were apprehended at Koh Samui Airport with a staggering 131 kilogrammes of marijuana as they prepared to jet back to the United Kingdom.
The bust, yesterday, March 16, was a coordinated effort by the Surat Thani Immigration Investigation Unit, Koh Samui Customs, Bo Phut Police, Koh Samui District officials, and ISOC Region 4.
The accused, caught red-handed with eight stuffed suitcases, were identified as:
- Antony, 63, holding 29kg of cannabis.
- Billy, 37, carrying 34kg of cannabis.
- Phil, 63, with 34kg in tow.
- John, 34, also lugging 34kg.
They were informed of charges under the Customs Act B.E. 2560 for attempting to export goods without proper customs clearance.
The case also involves offences under Section 78, linked to the Act on the Protection and Promotion of Traditional Thai Medical Knowledge B.E. 2542, regarding cannabis control regulations.
Investigations revealed the four were employed by a foreign handler who styled them as tourists. Their mission? To secretly transport cannabis for sale abroad. The employer arranged their travel and accommodation in Thailand, tasking them with carrying the drug-laden luggage from Koh Samui to Singapore, then to the UK.
The ultimate reward, had they succeeded? A cool £2,000 each (86,000 baht). Some were even tempted with offers to settle outstanding debts.
In a separate operation, immigration officials seized a whopping 375kg of cannabis over two days, packed in 22 bags, with an estimated market value of nearly 75 million baht.
Such high stakes are a magnet for smugglers and international syndicates, trying to cash in despite the legal risks.
Meanwhile, Withaya Yamoung, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Transport, advised commuters between Bangkok and Thon Buri to consider alternative routes.
Immigration officers, determined to quash these smugglers’ schemes, are cracking down on cannabis trafficking operations and ensuring these criminals face justice. Investigations into the masterminds behind these illegal ventures continue, as Thailand ramps up its campaign against drug smuggling.
Officials are committed to dismantling these networks and preventing them from evading capture. As reported by Daily News, efforts to bring those responsible to justice are well underway.
The arrest came only four days after another group of foreign smugglers was caught red-handed at Koh Samui Airport while attempting to smuggle a staggering 144 kilogrammes of cannabis to London and Singapore.
The five suspects were apprehended alongside seven suitcases packed with vacuum-sealed cannabis flower buds, just moments before boarding their flights.
The bust occurred at 6pm yesterday, 12 March, when Bo Phut Police, customs officers, and airport security intercepted the suspects at the X-ray checkpoint.
Suspicious packages detected inside their luggage prompted an immediate search, revealing the illicit cargo.
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