Chiang Mai Airport Authorities Seize 100 kg of Cannabis

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Picture courtesy of The Government Public Relations Deoartement

 

In a recent crackdown at Chiang Mai Airport, authorities confiscated over 100 kilograms of cannabis flowers bound for international destinations, underscoring significant gaps in Thailand's current cannabis regulations. Despite the substantial seizure, legal limitations prevented the prosecution of the foreign nationals involved, according to Police Lieutenant General Krittapol Yeesakorn, Commander of Provincial Police Region 5.

 

During a press briefing held on March 5, Lt. Gen. Krittapol detailed multiple smuggling incidents, illustrating how foreigners exploit Thailand's nascent cannabis control framework. This loophole has resulted in several suspects walking free after having their cannabis intercepted.

 

The first incident, on March 2, involved a 23-year-old Malaysian man attempting to fly 22.5 kilograms of cannabis from Chiang Mai to Dubai, en route to London. Days later, on March 4, a 19-year-old British student was caught with 34.8 kilograms of cannabis intended for transport to Hong Kong and then London.

 

Later that same day, a Malaysian couple, both aged 35, attempted to board a flight with 45.4 kilograms of cannabis aiming for London via Singapore. Finally, on March 5, customs officials intercepted an additional 20 kilograms of cannabis smuggled by a German national.

Among those apprehended, only one Malaysian suspect faced a quick resolution. Initially denying ownership, he confessed after being presented with evidence, resulting in a minor fine before release, emphasising the legal intricacies surrounding cannabis transport.

 

Lt. Gen. Krittapol expounded on the legal conundrum, noting that while cannabis possession and transportation within Thailand remain lawful, and such cannabis flowers don't constitute illegal narcotics in the UK, the loophole attracts smugglers to exploit Thai airports, reported Khaosod.

 

In light of these developments, Thai authorities are engaging in discussions with relevant agencies to deliberate potential legislative amendments. The aim is to bolster legal frameworks, thereby tightening regulations and imposing rigorous penalties for attempts to smuggle cannabis flowers out of Thailand. These steps underscore a delicate balance as the nation navigates the evolving contours of legal cannabis usage and international export controls.

 

-- 2025-03-06

 

 

[Geoffggi]

Personal use nothing to see - Next case ................LOL

[ChaiyaTH]

Why are these people so stupid? You could at least just ship it in smaller packages by sea etc instead, not flying with it yourself in person... Or at least then just try to smuggle high end THC oil or something, weed has a huge volume to bring around. Would by default pop up for baggage checks.

[PETERTHEEATER]

UK Customs K9s would have to have serious olfactory damage not to detect that amount coming in, legal or not.