Songkhla Customs Seize 980kg Cannabis Bound for Türkiye

Thai Customs officers have seized 980 kilograms of dried cannabis flowers concealed in an outbound shipping container at Songkhla Customs House, allegedly intended for export to Türkiye.

The shipment, valued at about 9.8 million baht, was not declared by the exporter and was not accompanied by an export permit, according to the Customs Department.

Container searched before departure

The seizure was reported on 29 September after the Customs Department's Investigation and Suppression Bureau worked with Regional Customs Office 4 and Songkhla Customs House to inspect the container before it left Thailand.

Officers found the dried cannabis flowers hidden inside the container. The entire consignment was seized and frozen before being transferred to Songkhla Customs House for further legal action.

Authorities are also examining the exporter and shipping documentation as part of the continuing investigation.

Possible Customs Act and cannabis law offences

Officials initially considered that the case may involve submitting, or allowing another person to submit, inaccurate customs declarations, documents or information in order to evade, or attempt to evade, restrictions.

The alleged offences fall under Sections 166, 167, 202 and 244, in conjunction with Section 252, of the Customs Act BE 2560 (2017). The case may also involve breaches of the Thai Traditional Medicine Intelligence Protection and Promotion Act BE 2542 (1999).

The Customs Department said the operation formed part of the government's policy to suppress illegal goods.

Exports require the correct authorisation and customs declaration. Anyone planning to send cannabis flowers or related products overseas should check the destination country's rules as well as Thai export requirements before arranging freight or carrying items through an airport.

Customs checks can apply to commercial cargo as well as personal luggage, and failing to declare restricted goods can lead to seizure and criminal proceedings.

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30 September 2026