UK-Thai deal sees 90% reduction in cannabis smuggling by post, Home Office says

Shipments of cannabis arriving via mail from Thailand have decreased by 90% during the initial quarter of this year, according to statements made by the Home Office.

The new regulations require that packages originating from Thailand undergo inspection prior to shipment. In the initial three months of 2025, Border Force identified approximately 1.5 tons of cannabis entering via postal channels.

Citizenship and Migration minister Seema Malhotra said extra checks taking place in Thailand, which were secured in a UK Border Force and Thai customs agreement, have “slashed cannabis smuggling in the post by 90% in just three months”.

Following Thailand’s legalization of cannabis in 2022, there was an increase in the volume of marijuana being sent to the UK.

Over 15 tonnes of cannabis was detected by Border Force, with the support of Royal Mail, in the last quarter of 2024.

Ms. Malhotra stated, “By halting these medications at their origin, we are dismantling organized criminal activities, safeguarding neighborhoods, and enabling Border Force to concentrate on additional crucial matters.”

“Together with our partners in Thailand, this Government will continue to take tough action against those attempting to smuggle illegal drugs across our borders.”

Over two tonnes of cannabis with an estimated value of £6 million was also surrendered by air passengers in February.

The collection was handed over by travelers passing through as part of Operation Chaophraya, an initiative led by the Home Office that includes collaboration between Border Force and the National Crime Agency (NCA) at Bangkok Airport.

More than 50 British citizens have been detained in Thailand for attempting to smuggle marijuana since the launch of Operation Chaophraya in July 2024.

The Border Force director general, Phil Douglas, stated: "Our operations extend beyond the borders; we collaborate globally with our allies to halt illegal items before they can enter the UK."

We are leveraging sophisticated intelligence like never before, and last year we set a new record for drug confiscations, including some of the most dangerous substances.

Border Force continues to be wholly dedicated to protecting our borders and ensuring the safety of our communities.

Charlotte Prescott, who serves as the Royal Mail’s director of customs and international policy, stated that cooperation between governmental entities and postal organizations is crucial, emphasizing their "highly effective alliance" with Border Force in addressing this matter.

Thai customs have introduced stricter screening measures at the border which has led to over 800 cannabis smugglers being intercepted between October 2024 and March 2025, with over nine tonnes of cannabis seized, the Home Office said.

Alex Murray, the NCA’s director of threat leadership, described the Thai authorities as “keen to intervene” in efforts to target high-risk routes, seize drugs shipments of drugs and disrupt crime gangs.

He stated: "Couriers ought to thoroughly consider before deciding to transport marijuana."

“There are life-changing consequences.

Criminal organizations may be quite convincing, yet the likelihood of being apprehended is extremely high and just not worth it.

Athanavanich Theeraj, the director general of Thai Customs, along with his team, toured Heathrow Airport and a Border Force postal facility earlier this week.