BANGKOK, THAILAND – At least eleven French nationals have been arrested in Thailand with cannabis in their luggage. Several said they were tricked with free holiday trips and given locked suitcases supposedly containing mobile phones.
The suspects now face charges of attempting to smuggle drugs out of Thailand. French media reported the arrests under stricter rules that prevent suspects from leaving the country while awaiting trial.
Sixteen point eight kilos of cannabis in locked luggage
A 20-year-old French man was arrested in June on his return journey, according to AFP. Airport staff in Thailand found 16.8 kilograms of cannabis in a locked suitcase.
The man told investigators he did not have the combination to open the bag. His trip was paid for by someone who contacted him via Snapchat. It remains unclear whether he knew what was inside.
Arrests under tightened rules
France’s National Police told broadcaster RTL that eleven French nationals were arrested in Thailand after cannabis was found in their luggage. Some suspects remain in police custody.
French media reported that previously, suspects could return to France after the cannabis was seized. Under the stricter rules now applied, they can be detained if they do not pay a customs fine and must wait for their trial.
30,000 Baht fine per kilo
According to RTL, the reported fine is 30,000 Baht, about 790 euros, per kilogram of cannabis. Attempting to smuggle cannabis out of Thailand carries a punishment of two to ten years in prison.
The legal proceedings are directed against the arrested French nationals.
Families call it a travel trap
Relatives of several detainees told French media their family members fell victim to a trick called the “Thailand Plan.” Criminal gangs allegedly offered travellers free holidays in exchange for bringing luggage back to France.
The travellers were allegedly told the suitcases contained mobile phones. Instead, they contained large amounts of cannabis.
Two more arrests in Hong Kong
French media also reported that two more French nationals were arrested in Hong Kong. Cannabis was allegedly found in their luggage too, which they said they unknowingly brought from Thailand.
The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs called on French citizens to follow changes in Thai cannabis laws and comply with local regulations.
France investigating possible network
The ministry is monitoring the cases of the French nationals held in Thailand and providing consular support. At the same time, an investigation aims to determine who is behind the reported “Thailand Plan.”
Authorities will also examine whether a larger network was involved.