Report British Tourists Warned: Thai Drug Mule Scam on the Rise

[bkk6060]

Must be lots of stupid desperate people to fall for that.

[Presnock]

1 hour ago, Moonlover said:

 

 

Yes I agree, Taking @Presnock's rather fanciful hypothesis to the extreme, one could call a bartender a murderer!

 

1 hour ago, Moonlover said:

 

 

Yes I agree, Taking @Presnock's rather fanciful hypothesis to the extreme, one could call a bartender a murderer!

If a bartender continues to serve booze to someone obviously well under the influence or the booze contributes to an accident then the bartender should share in being responsible.  That is MHO anyway.  Maybe harsh but that was the life I was raised in and career that I worked in so after 78 years, I will not change my opinion on this subject but I also realize that obviously a lot of Brits on this forum have a totally different opinion from mine.  I find that many on ths forum, not matter the subject don't often agree with me but that doesn't bother me at all.

[KannikaP]

1 hour ago, factual monk said:

So now Brits will be avoiding Thailand after the Chinese fiasco... 

NO, only the stupid ones who can be persuaded to smuggle. All the other good ones will still come.

[Presnock]

29 minutes ago, JackGats said:

You are funding child-labour, miner's deaths, cancer-causing chemicals, work-related illnesses, the destruction of Earth's ecosystems which support life ...

 

The rest of your money you are paying in taxes to governments who fund weapons used to kill people ("innocent children", to use social warrior language).

Yeah maybe on some of those things, but many of those are being carried out through fraud waste and abuse of legal collections of money.  IMHO too many elected officials do waste tax monies, are corrupt and people like those in the pharmaceutical and food industries, especially of the USA should be held liable for all the sick people that the corporations have produce through their products.  Now I and others have to pay for those sick fat people that have no control over what they eat.  But, I grew up poor, knew I couldn't live off of welfare so I worked hard and was successful enough to enjoy a retirement.  It didn't come cheaply, I earned it.  In hard times I never turned to drugs or alcohol or too much poor foods.  I realize that the generations have changed, and now look at just how bad it is becoming.  I fail to see a happy citizenry  in the US, everyone seems really unhappy.   But obviously elsewhere too, seeing some actions of those realy unhappy and violent people.  I don't have any answers, but I do have my own opinion of those that cannot control their emotions without it impacting other people.

[black tabby12345]

Trading own whole life off just overseas travel expense?

Unthinkable.

Deal for the idiots.

 

gangs are becoming increasingly active, posing significant risks for unsuspecting travelers

 

When a tourist volunteers to be a drug trafficker(for money motive),

it is not a setup.

But a spontaneous act of crime.

 

 

 

 

[black tabby12345]

2 hours ago, mikeymike100 said:

There is always someone after an easy 'buck'

 

Forgetting about consequences.

 

[baansgr]

18 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

 

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS

 

British tourists planning trips to Thailand face an alarming new threat — criminal gangs attempting to recruit them as drug mules under the guise of offering luxury holidays. Recent intelligence suggests these gangs are becoming increasingly active, posing significant risks for unsuspecting travellers.

 

Operating both in Thailand and the UK, these gangs target prospective tourists by promising all-expenses-paid holidays, complete with stays in luxurious resorts, unlimited alcohol, and sometimes drugs, in return for transporting illicit drugs. Offers can be tempting, with promises of visiting idyllic locations and monetary bonuses of up to £2,000, provided tourists agree to smuggle packages back to the UK or onward to other destinations.

 

The deception often exploits a common misunderstanding surrounding Thailand’s drug laws. Since the decriminalisation of cannabis in 2022, many tourists are misled to believe that all drug use and possession might be similarly tolerated, which is far from the truth.

 

Concerns were significantly heightened following the high-profile arrests of two young British nationals. Bella Culley, aged 18 from Billingham, County Durham, was arrested at Tbilisi Airport in Georgia. Culley was allegedly attempting to smuggle 14kg of cannabis along with hashish. In a separate incident, Charlotte May Leek, 21, from South London, was detained upon arriving in Sri Lanka from Thailand. Authorities allege she was in possession of cannabis with an astonishing street value estimated at £1.15 million.

 

Jemal Janashia, a former high-ranking police general and prominent drug crime expert in Georgia, has voiced serious concerns over these incidents, suggesting that drug trafficking gangs in Thailand may be deliberately targeting British travellers for their operations.

 

In light of these developments, the UK’s Foreign Office has swiftly updated its travel guidelines for Thailand. The advisory, issued on 24 May, underscores the strict enforcement of drug laws despite Thailand’s reputation as a popular holiday destination for retirees and gap year students. The notice especially highlights the rigid stance on substances other than cannabis and cautions against any misunderstandings tourists might have about drug legality.

 

Furthermore, the Foreign Office has documented numerous cases of British nationals facing arrest after attempting to smuggle cannabis out of Thailand, including several arrests during international transit phases.

 

The phenomenon extends beyond direct smuggling, with the UK government also noting a significant rise in the quantity of cannabis being mailed from Thailand post the decriminalisation. This trend represents a worrying escalation in smuggling activities linked to Thailand, indicating a sophisticated network targeting naïve tourists.

 

Authorities caution travellers to remain extremely alert to the potential dangers and legal ramifications of getting involved, even unknowingly, in these illicit activities. The allure of a seemingly free, exotic holiday could spiral into a serious legal predicament, resulting in severely punitive measures abroad.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2025-05-26

 

 

Yet another reason to ban weed shops...

[neeray]

The old adage of, "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is" would certainly apply here.

[kuzmabruk]

2 hours ago, mikeymike100 said:

Indeed the number of people (mules) getting caught is on the rise.

There is always someone after an easy 'buck'

i am thinking these people are either do ignorant we are all better off without them OR maybe they are thinking their foreign prison experience will be a best seller or maybe a movie and they will (after incarceration) be RICH!

 

[Woke to Sounds]

How many?

 

How many children have they killed with this shhiiiiiitt!!!

[Magictoad]

3 hours ago, factual monk said:

So now Brits will be avoiding Thailand after the Chinese fiasco... 

?

[Blueman1]

3 hours ago, mikeymike100 said:

Indeed the number of people (mules) getting caught is on the rise.

There is always someone after an easy 'buck'

There is always someone after an easy 'buck'....But They have to be " Stupid " Or  Love Jail Food....

[DaveOhAust]

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

 

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS

 

British tourists planning trips to Thailand face an alarming new threat — criminal gangs attempting to recruit them as drug mules under the guise of offering luxury holidays. Recent intelligence suggests these gangs are becoming increasingly active, posing significant risks for unsuspecting travellers.

 

Operating both in Thailand and the UK, these gangs target prospective tourists by promising all-expenses-paid holidays, complete with stays in luxurious resorts, unlimited alcohol, and sometimes drugs, in return for transporting illicit drugs. Offers can be tempting, with promises of visiting idyllic locations and monetary bonuses of up to £2,000, provided tourists agree to smuggle packages back to the UK or onward to other destinations.

 

The deception often exploits a common misunderstanding surrounding Thailand’s drug laws. Since the decriminalisation of cannabis in 2022, many tourists are misled to believe that all drug use and possession might be similarly tolerated, which is far from the truth.

 

Concerns were significantly heightened following the high-profile arrests of two young British nationals. Bella Culley, aged 18 from Billingham, County Durham, was arrested at Tbilisi Airport in Georgia. Culley was allegedly attempting to smuggle 14kg of cannabis along with hashish. In a separate incident, Charlotte May Leek, 21, from South London, was detained upon arriving in Sri Lanka from Thailand. Authorities allege she was in possession of cannabis with an astonishing street value estimated at £1.15 million.

 

Jemal Janashia, a former high-ranking police general and prominent drug crime expert in Georgia, has voiced serious concerns over these incidents, suggesting that drug trafficking gangs in Thailand may be deliberately targeting British travellers for their operations.

 

In light of these developments, the UK’s Foreign Office has swiftly updated its travel guidelines for Thailand. The advisory, issued on 24 May, underscores the strict enforcement of drug laws despite Thailand’s reputation as a popular holiday destination for retirees and gap year students. The notice especially highlights the rigid stance on substances other than cannabis and cautions against any misunderstandings tourists might have about drug legality.

 

Furthermore, the Foreign Office has documented numerous cases of British nationals facing arrest after attempting to smuggle cannabis out of Thailand, including several arrests during international transit phases.

 

The phenomenon extends beyond direct smuggling, with the UK government also noting a significant rise in the quantity of cannabis being mailed from Thailand post the decriminalisation. This trend represents a worrying escalation in smuggling activities linked to Thailand, indicating a sophisticated network targeting naïve tourists.

 

Authorities caution travellers to remain extremely alert to the potential dangers and legal ramifications of getting involved, even unknowingly, in these illicit activities. The allure of a seemingly free, exotic holiday could spiral into a serious legal predicament, resulting in severely punitive measures abroad.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2025-05-26

 

 

 

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

 

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS

 

British tourists planning trips to Thailand face an alarming new threat — criminal gangs attempting to recruit them as drug mules under the guise of offering luxury holidays. Recent intelligence suggests these gangs are becoming increasingly active, posing significant risks for unsuspecting travellers.

 

Operating both in Thailand and the UK, these gangs target prospective tourists by promising all-expenses-paid holidays, complete with stays in luxurious resorts, unlimited alcohol, and sometimes drugs, in return for transporting illicit drugs. Offers can be tempting, with promises of visiting idyllic locations and monetary bonuses of up to £2,000, provided tourists agree to smuggle packages back to the UK or onward to other destinations.

 

The deception often exploits a common misunderstanding surrounding Thailand’s drug laws. Since the decriminalisation of cannabis in 2022, many tourists are misled to believe that all drug use and possession might be similarly tolerated, which is far from the truth.

 

Concerns were significantly heightened following the high-profile arrests of two young British nationals. Bella Culley, aged 18 from Billingham, County Durham, was arrested at Tbilisi Airport in Georgia. Culley was allegedly attempting to smuggle 14kg of cannabis along with hashish. In a separate incident, Charlotte May Leek, 21, from South London, was detained upon arriving in Sri Lanka from Thailand. Authorities allege she was in possession of cannabis with an astonishing street value estimated at £1.15 million.

 

Jemal Janashia, a former high-ranking police general and prominent drug crime expert in Georgia, has voiced serious concerns over these incidents, suggesting that drug trafficking gangs in Thailand may be deliberately targeting British travellers for their operations.

 

In light of these developments, the UK’s Foreign Office has swiftly updated its travel guidelines for Thailand. The advisory, issued on 24 May, underscores the strict enforcement of drug laws despite Thailand’s reputation as a popular holiday destination for retirees and gap year students. The notice especially highlights the rigid stance on substances other than cannabis and cautions against any misunderstandings tourists might have about drug legality.

 

Furthermore, the Foreign Office has documented numerous cases of British nationals facing arrest after attempting to smuggle cannabis out of Thailand, including several arrests during international transit phases.

 

The phenomenon extends beyond direct smuggling, with the UK government also noting a significant rise in the quantity of cannabis being mailed from Thailand post the decriminalisation. This trend represents a worrying escalation in smuggling activities linked to Thailand, indicating a sophisticated network targeting naïve tourists.

 

Authorities caution travellers to remain extremely alert to the potential dangers and legal ramifications of getting involved, even unknowingly, in these illicit activities. The allure of a seemingly free, exotic holiday could spiral into a serious legal predicament, resulting in severely punitive measures abroad.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2025-05-26

 

 

Pretty simple, ban entry to the poms for 12 months. That’ll cut down the crime rate. Not sure how all the Lb’s will survive without the pommy pounds I suppose the septics “yanks” will have to work overtime….😎🤣🤣🤣🍻

[DTL2014]

UK gov would do well to follow Thailand's example and eradicate this overnight through legalisation.

[FlorC]

1 hour ago, Woke to Sounds said:

How many?

 

How many children have they killed with this shhiiiiiitt!!!

Live fast , die young ?

[watchcat]

4 hours ago, Nemo. said:

But you have to be mega stupid to smuggle drugs

 

At least in/to Thailand.

[georgegeorgia]

2 hours ago, KannikaP said:

NO, only the stupid ones who can be persuaded to smuggle. All the other good ones will still come.

Oh a brilliant piece of academic thinking ! 

[Patong2021]

4 hours ago, Hornell said:

I just find it difficult to believe than anyone can be so stupid nowadays to either agree to carry another bag for someone or to allow them to insert a package, the contents of which they don't know, into their own baggage.

 

the mules know what they are doing. They think it is easy luchre.

 

4 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

It's good and helpful to give a warning to dumb British tourists. Greediness everywhere

Warnings won't work. A few examples need to be made to serve as a deterrent.

[Homburg]

5 hours ago, factual monk said:

So now Brits will be avoiding Thailand after the Chinese fiasco... 

Only those Brits who can read, so probably not many.

[chickenslegs]

It's a win-win for those girls. A free holiday in Thailand, followed by an extended stay (all inclusive) in another foreign land.

[goldenbrwn1]

The Mule operations are mostly planned with the Mule before they leave the UK . They then get an all expenses paid holiday and a cash payment on delivery. Most ops have people at the Airport in the UK who will know when the cases are coming through and pick them up . The actual mules wouldn’t be leaving the airport with the said cases. But there’s obviously still a chance of being apprehended the Thai end or the UK end if they are known beforehand with a tip off from Thai authorities. 

[retayl]

Posing with trout lips on Instagram appears to be the primary qualification to be a drugs mule.  

[frank83628]

6 hours ago, factual monk said:

So now Brits will be avoiding Thailand after the Chinese fiasco... 

Why? They've caught 8 stupid people in the last months, how many tourists come to thailand

[AustinRacing]

How’s it a scam? 

[Dogmatix]

9 hours ago, Hornell said:

I just find it difficult to believe than anyone can be so stupid nowadays to either agree to carry another bag for someone or to allow them to insert a package, the contents of which they don't know, into their own baggage.

 

Exactly.  Charlotte Leek came back to England from a trip to Thailand then flew back saying she had been offered a job in Thailand with flight and expenses paid.  The job involved flying off again a few days later carrying 46kg of weed to Sri Lanka, presumably on route to the UK or somewhere else in Europe, since weed is widely cultivated in Sri Lanka and must be a lot cheaper there than in Thailand.  So she set off with an extra two suitcases packed by someone else and was given cash to pay for the excess baggage at Suvarnabhumi. Pretty obvious that she knew she was smuggling something illegal but thought the money was worth it.  She had been an air hostess for TUI and was a part time beautician in nail bar.  So probably not very bright but, even so, it must have been obvious that something was wrong, even if she didn't look inside the suitcase.   Weed is fairly bulky and has a strong aroma which sniffer dogs can't miss. 

 

The other English girl in Georgia is only 18 and pregnant.  She was going to start a nursing course but that will have to wait for for a decade or more probably now.  Not sure of the details of her case but it sounds like she had 14kg of dope and may well have known what it was. 

 

The extra bags may have been a red flag to Sri Lanka customs but what these kids don't understand is that the drug networks often grass on some of their own mules as part of a deal with authorities to let most through.  Also very young travellers with odd itineraries are often a red flag.  Doing two trips to Thailand in quick succession and flying to Sir Lanka or Georgia afterwards, particularly, if full fare, may look suspicious.  Years ago two English girls were busted smuggling heroin out of Thailand.  Thai cops said they were alerted by British cops who had seen their itinerary flying full fare from Bangkok to West Africa to the UK as odd and tipped off Thai police.  The British cops checked their profiles and found they were unemployed which further heightened suspicions.  Having pleaded they were set up they got Royal pardons on account of their young ages and went back to England to tell the tabloids they knew all along what they were smuggling.  

[stupidfarang]

10 hours ago, Presnock said:

IMHO, until the governments of the world determine that drug sellers are equivalent to murderers and in most cases probably serial killers and can charge them as such and carry out punishment, then it will continue because of all the USERS out there/here continuing to fund these criminals.

war on drugs has never worked no matter what country you look at, drugs are still taken, still sold

[ChipButty]

Today another British couple got arrested in Valencia Spain with suitcases full of canapiss, They say they came from Thailand via France, 

[Barnet1900]

11 hours ago, ronster said:

There is no scam !

It's idiots saying yes to thinking they will be taking back a kg or so of weed and then find out on leaving to fly home that it's 20kg plus . Or it's idiots who think they are that smart they won't get caught and a holiday with plenty of spending money would be great .

Exactly. Doesn't refer to only Brits, as Mr. Muppet tries to suggest, but people from all over.

 

Most people have to work and save for a holiday, even to go to a crappy caravan park. These people are a reflection of modern society. People want all for nothing. Why work when you can cheat the system or just too bloody lazy and self entitled to do so? And the governments in these countries fund them by giving them benefits.

 

If they are 100pc guilty, chuck em in prison and throw away the key. Murder no but potential manslaughter certainly. The pushers and takers aren't the victims, it's the families of the addicts or the victims of their crimes as they try to fund their habits and the greed of the dealers.

[nightfox]

Great news as it looks there will be new episodes of Banged up abroad in the near future.  

[Bday Prang]

10 hours ago, baansgr said:

Yet another reason to ban weed shops...

unlikely that they buy it from  weed shops. So no reason at all really