PHUKET — 7 July 2026, Authorities at Phuket International Airport arrested a 21-year-old Belgian tourist after allegedly discovering about 31.7 kilograms of cannabis packed inside two suitcases she was preparing to check in for an international flight.
Officers at the airport’s international departures terminal identified two suspicious suitcases, one green-and-white and the other black, during baggage screening.
A search uncovered 12 vacuum-sealed packages containing 28.3 kilograms of cannabis flower, along with eight packages of processed cannabis weighing 3.4 kilograms, bringing the total seizure to approximately 31.7 kilograms.
The woman initially admitted that both suitcases and their contents belonged to her, authorities said.
She was charged with attempting to export goods without customs clearance under the Customs Act 2017, as well as offences under Thailand’s Narcotics Code, the Thai Traditional Medicine Protection and Promotion Act 1999, the Ministry of Public Health’s 2025 Notification on Controlled Herbs (Cannabis), and other relevant laws.
The suspect and the seized cannabis were handed over to investigators at Sakhu Police Station for legal proceedings.
Pol. Col. Salan Santisatsanakul, superintendent of Sakhu Police Station, said the arrest was the result of coordinated operations between customs and security agencies to strengthen passenger and baggage screening at Phuket International Airport and prevent the illegal export of cannabis and other prohibited goods.
He said authorities would continue to strictly enforce the law against anyone attempting to smuggle controlled substances out of the country.
