Customs officials and police arrested a Thai woman and a Filipino national at Phuket International Airport on 9 July 2026 after they were caught attempting to smuggle more than 32 kilograms of cannabis flower out of Thailand. The operation took place at the international departures terminal in Mai Khao Subdistrict, Thalang District, as part of ongoing efforts to prevent the illegal export of cannabis through the country’s airports. Get today's headlines by email The first arrest was made at about 11:00 when customs officers inspected a black Pierre Cardin suitcase belonging to 18-year-old Philippine national Levannah Chelsea Guzman. Officers discovered 14 vacuum-sealed packages containing cannabis flower with a combined weight of 14.5 kilograms, including packaging. Police said Guzman admitted ownership of both the suitcase and its contents. She was charged with attempting to export goods without completing customs procedures, along with offences under Thailand’s Narcotics Code, the Traditional Thai Medicine Wisdom Protection and Promotion Act, the Ministry of Public Health’s Controlled Herbs (Cannabis) Notification and other related laws. At around 13:00, officers carried out a second inspection involving a green SWISH NAVY suitcase belonging to Thai national Penpitcha Phutsiang. The search uncovered 16 vacuum-sealed packages containing cannabis flower weighing 17.6 kilograms, including packaging. According to police, Phutsiang also admitted ownership of the suitcase and the seized cannabis. Following the arrests, both women were handed over to investigators at Sakhu Police Station for further legal proceedings. The operation was conducted jointly by customs officers at Phuket Airport and officers from Sakhu Police. Authorities said the arrests form part of intensified enforcement measures aimed at preventing cannabis from being illegally exported through Thailand’s international airports. Officials said customs officers are continuing to strengthen baggage inspections and enforcement activities as part of wider efforts to detect and intercept attempts to smuggle cannabis overseas. The latest arrests underline the continued focus on outbound passenger screening following previous attempts to export cannabis through Thai airports. Khaosod reported that the investigation will now continue under the relevant customs and narcotics laws, with both suspects facing legal proceedings. Picture courtesy of Khaosod Join the discussion? 11 July 2026
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