Two British men have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms in Cambodia after being caught attempting to smuggle more than 20 kilograms of marijuana.

The Phnom Penh Municipal Court yesterday handed down sentences of 14 years and 10 years to Ciaran Crellin Ashley Stephen, 29, and Roger Jordan James, 21, both tourists from Newcastle. Judge Tithsothy Borachhath also imposed fines of 40 million riel (around $10,000) and 20 million riel (around $5,000) respectively.

The pair were arrested on 19 June 2025 at Phnom Penh International Airport after customs officers discovered 72 packages of dried marijuana weighing about 22 kilograms hidden in their luggage. Officials said the men had intended to transport the drugs from Cambodia to the United Kingdom.

The court found them guilty of possession, trafficking and transport of marijuana under Article 40 of Cambodia’s Law on Drug Control. Both men retain the right to appeal within a month of the verdict.

Authorities described the case as one of the largest involving foreign nationals in recent years. The arrests took place at the airport’s check‑in counter, where officers inspected their suitcases and uncovered the packages.

Drug trafficking carries severe penalties in Cambodia, with courts regularly imposing long prison terms and heavy fines. The government has repeatedly stressed its zero‑tolerance stance, warning that foreign nationals face the same punishments as locals.

The convictions highlight the risks faced by travellers attempting to smuggle narcotics through Southeast Asia, where enforcement is strict and sentences are harsh.

-2026-02-25

Thailand should do the same

More strict penalties if caught smuggling drugs out of the country