Thailand and UK Strengthen Cooperation to Combat Illegal Cannabis Smuggling

Thailand’s Customs Department, together with the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and the British Embassy in Thailand, has launched the Thailand–UK Partnership on Cannabis Border Controls and Enforcement to strengthen border security and law enforcement against illegal cannabis exports.

Customs Department Director-General Phantong Loykulnanta said the government attaches importance to suppressing illegal cannabis exports in order to protect Thailand’s image and international confidence. He said cannabis exports are permitted only for medical purposes and must be authorized by both Thailand and the destination country.

From October 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, the Customs Department seized illegal cannabis in 3,309 cases, totaling more than 37,210 kilograms and valued at over 474 million baht. Of these, 3,266 cases involved attempted illegal exports. More than 65% of the cases, or 2,133 cases, were destined for the United Kingdom, involving nearly 14,000 kilograms of seized cannabis.

The department has therefore expanded cooperation with UK law enforcement agencies through intelligence exchange, enhanced screening, and joint operational support to improve interdiction from the point of origin in Thailand. It has also tightened penalties since June 17, requiring seized items to be forfeited to the state and imposing a fine of 30,000 baht per kilogram on offenders. Within three weeks of the measure taking effect, authorities arrested 71 offenders and seized more than 1.3 tons of cannabis.

The Director-General said the Customs Department will continue integrating cooperation with domestic and international agencies to strengthen border control, intelligence exchange, and action against transnational crime, while preventing illegal cannabis exports and safeguarding national interests.

The NCA representatives thanked the Thai government and Customs Department for enhancing enforcement cooperation, saying the partnership is expected to help reduce illegal cannabis smuggling into the United Kingdom.

Source: NBT World

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