Koh Samui Airport: British Tourists Used in Huge Cannabis Smuggling Bust
A series of arrests at Koh Samui Airport has exposed a sophisticated cannabis smuggling operation using unwitting foreign “tourists” as drug mules. Over four days, Surat Thani immigration police apprehended 13 foreign nationals, mostly British, attempting to smuggle 375 kilograms of cannabis out of the country. This illicit cargo, with an estimated overseas street value of 75 million baht, highlights the growing challenge Thai authorities face in combating international drug trafficking.
The most recent incident occurred on Saturday, when four British men—Antony (63), Billy (37), Philld (63), and John (34)—were arrested before boarding a flight to Singapore. They were carrying 131 kilograms of dried cannabis buds concealed in eight suitcases. Airport staff, alerted by suspicious images during routine X-ray screening, discovered the contraband. Despite an attempted escape, police swiftly apprehended the men, who now face charges of cannabis smuggling and violating Thailand’s cannabis control law.
This incident reflects a broader trend observed by Surat Thani immigration police. According to Pol Col Naruwat Phutthawiro, the immigration police commander of Surat Thani, the smugglers recruit individuals, primarily from the UK, under the pretense of a free Thailand holiday. The smugglers cover flights and accommodation. Upon arrival, these unwitting couriers transport suitcases packed with cannabis through transit hubs like Singapore to final destinations in Europe and Asia. The promised reward for successful delivery is a meager £2,000 (approximately 87,000 baht), with some reportedly participating to settle debts.
This operation raises serious concerns about the vulnerability of Thailand’s tourist infrastructure to exploitation by criminal networks. The sheer volume of cannabis seized suggests a well-organized and lucrative enterprise. The potential overseas market price of 200,000 baht per kilogram underscores the significant financial incentives driving this illicit trade.
The incident involving the four British men is not isolated. Earlier that week, nine other foreign nationals—eight bound for Singapore and ultimately Hong Kong—were arrested at Koh Samui Airport for similar offenses. Their intended final destinations included Britain, Germany, and Singapore. The Koh Samui Provincial Court sentenced these individuals to four months in jail, setting a precedent for future prosecutions.
Furthermore, Pol Maj Gen Sermpan Sirikong revealed on Sunday a possible link to a recent incident involving a Thai couple who mistakenly picked up the wrong suitcase at Surat Thani airport before their trip to Japan. The bag, belonging to 51-year-old British man Mark Barlow, contained 24 kilograms of dried cannabis and was discovered by Japanese authorities. Barlow, who arrived in Thailand on March 6th and bypassed tourist activities, left Surat Thani airport last Thursday and subsequently flew to South Korea. The connection between Barlow and the smuggling ring remains under investigation.
These arrests underscore the ongoing struggle Thai authorities face against drug trafficking, even with evolving cannabis legislation. The exploitation of unsuspecting tourists highlights the insidious nature of these operations and emphasizes the need for increased vigilance and international cooperation to disrupt these criminal networks.
