British tourists in Thailand allegedly using S'pore as 'transit point' to smuggle cannabis to UK: Thai media

Tourists in Thailand, mostly British, have allegedly been using Singapore as a "transit point" to traffic cannabis to the United Kingdom.

According to Bangkok Post, authorities in Koh Samui said on Jan. 28 that customs officers seized more than 406kg of dried cannabis at Samui Airport between March and September 2025.

Seized drugs to be brought to UK via Singapore

This drug trafficking modus operandi was described as a "pattern".

Most of the seized cannabis was intended to be brought into the UK via Singapore, it was reported.

The drugs reportedly go from Bangkok to Koh Samui, and then to Singapore before reaching Europe.

The acts were carried out mostly by UK citizens visiting Thailand.

Syndicates would reportedly oversee the accommodation and travel needs of the drug mules,

The 406.6kg of dried cannabis at Samui Airport was valued at 4 million baht (S$161,314).

Shin Min Daily News reported that the drug couriers were paid between S$1,800 to S$3,400 per successful trip.

Some of the value of the drugs can also be used to offset debts the drug mules owe.

One Malaysian implicated

On Mar. 12, 2025, Thai authorities stopped five British travellers and one Malaysian for checks.

Upon inspection of their luggage, authorities seized almost 144kg of dried cannabis flowers.

While it was not specified if the suspects were travelling together or separately, all of them reportedly admitted to the crime after being arrested.

All confiscated drugs were later handed over to a hospital in Surat Thani for medical use on Jan. 28.

CNB has reached out to Thailand counterparts

In response to Mothership's queries, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that several Singapore authorities including the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), and the Singapore Police Force (SPF) are working together to detect illegal activities at Singapore checkpoints and transit areas, including transnational drug trafficking activities.

The ministry added that checks may be conducted on travellers to detect and deter drug importers and abusers.

"Any person who is found to have imported into Singapore a controlled drug will be dealt with in accordance with the law," MHA said.

In addition, ICA also carries out pre-arrival risk assessment of travellers, conveyances and cargo.

Upon arrival, those with higher risk will be flagged for enhanced checks using X-ray, handheld detection devices and police sniffer dogs to detect contraband, including controlled drugs, which may be hidden in travellers' belongings and attire.

Other operations such as regular inter-agency operations at the checkpoints by the CNB, ICA and the Police K-9 Unit are also carried out to detect drug offenders.

"CNB has also reached out to law enforcement counterparts in Thailand and will render assistance to them if required," MHA confirmed.

Top photo via Thailand police handout