The UK Home Office reports a 90% decline in cannabis shipments sent from Thailand to the UK over the past three months, attributing the drop to enhanced collaboration with Thai Customs.
Following Thailand’s decriminalisation of cannabis in 2022, UK authorities saw a significant spike in illegal consignments, with Border Force intercepting 15 tonnes of the substance arriving by mail during the final quarter of last year.
However, under a recent agreement mandating pre-departure parcel inspections in Thailand, this figure was reduced to just 1.5 tonnes in the subsequent three months.
Border Security Minister Seema Malhotra described the agreement as a “prime example” of global cooperation advancing Labour’s commitment to public safety.
Malhotra stated: “By intercepting these narcotics at the source, we are disrupting organised crime, safeguarding communities, and enabling Border Force to address other critical challenges.”
“Together with our counterparts in Thailand, this government is resolute in taking robust measures against individuals attempting to smuggle illicit substances across UK borders.”
According to the Home Office, stringent screening protocols introduced by Thai Customs have resulted in the interception of over 800 cannabis traffickers between October 2024 and March 2025.
During the same period, Thai authorities seized upwards of nine tonnes of cannabis.
The previous year marked a record for drug seizures in the UK, with Border Force and police confiscating 119 tonnes of narcotics valued at £3bn between March 2023 and March 2024—an increase of 52% year-on-year, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Separately, a joint operation at Bangkok Airport led by the Home Office, Border Force and the National Crime Agency (NCA) resulted in the seizure of £6 million worth of cannabis from passengers, with British officers stationed on-site.
Since the launch of Operation Chaophraya in July 2024, more than 50 British nationals have been detained in Thailand for attempted cannabis smuggling.
Border Force Director General Phil Douglas said: “Our efforts extend beyond the UK border; we collaborate globally with partners to stop illegal goods before they reach domestic soil.”
“Employing advanced intelligence techniques, we achieved a record high in drug seizures last year, including those involving the most dangerous substances.”
“Border Force remains unwavering in its commitment to securing our borders and ensuring public safety.”
To date, fourteen individuals have been sentenced for their involvement in a network supplying crack cocaine and heroin.
Following the seizure of 300kg of cannabis, a man has been released on bail while police investigations continue.
Kritstopher Purvis, 35, arrived at Edinburgh Airport on 24 July 2024 on a flight from Mexico City.
The suspects remain in custody pending upcoming court hearings after a police operation in Hull last week.
Four men have received custodial sentences for importing drugs valued at approximately £8 million.