PHUKET, THAILAND – Customs officers at Phuket International Airport stopped four foreign tourists trying to fly out with over 33 kilograms of cannabis in their luggage. The group, Swiss and French nationals aged 18 to 26, allegedly hid the drugs in their suitcases. All four confessed, authorities said.
The customs check happened today, 28 July. Officers found cannabis flowers and processed cannabis in the bags of the four travellers — totalling more than 33.6 kilograms.
The two Swiss, one French woman and one French man admitted during questioning that the luggage and its contents belonged to them. They were set to leave the country without the required customs clearance.
Smuggling spree at Phuket airport
This case is part of a string of similar incidents at the same airport. Just in July, several arrests for cannabis smuggling have been made.
On 9 July, customs officers stopped a Thai woman and a Filipina carrying 32.1 kilograms of cannabis flowers. One day earlier, a Russian man was caught with over 17 kilograms of cannabis flowers and hashish.
More cases in first week of July
On 7 July, officers arrested a Belgian woman with more than 31 kilograms of cannabis in her luggage. The check happened during departure preparations.
As early as 1 July, customs caught two Uzbek nationals. They allegedly transported over 26 kilograms of cannabis products in their suitcases.
Charges and police investigation
The four suspects in the latest case were charged with attempted export without customs clearance. Officers handed the group and the seized cannabis to investigators at Sakhu Police Station.
The responsible investigators are now proceeding with legal steps against the Swiss and French nationals.
said a police source.