A 21-year-old Belgian woman has been arrested at Phuket International Airport after authorities allegedly discovered 31.7 kilograms of cannabis concealed inside two suitcases as she prepared to board an international flight.
The arrest was made on 7 July 2026 at the airport’s international departures terminal following the discovery of two suspicious suitcases — one green and white, and the other black — believed to belong to the tourist.
During an inspection, officers found 12 vacuum-sealed bags of cannabis flowers weighing a combined 28.3 kilograms, along with eight bags of processed cannabis weighing 3.4 kilograms, bringing the total seizure to approximately 31.7 kilograms.
According to investigators, the suspect admitted that both suitcases and all the cannabis belonged to her.
She has been charged with attempting to export goods from Thailand without customs clearance under the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017), along with offences under the Narcotics Code, the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Medicine Act B.E. 2542 (1999), the Ministry of Public Health’s Controlled Herbs (Cannabis) Regulations B.E. 2568 (2025), and other related laws.
Following the arrest, the suspect and the seized cannabis were handed over to investigators at Sakhu Police Station for further legal action.
Sakhu Police Station chief Colonel Salan Santisasanakul said the arrest resulted from close cooperation between security and customs authorities conducting strict inspections of passengers and luggage at Phuket International Airport.
He said authorities remain committed to preventing the illegal smuggling of prohibited items out of Thailand and warned that anyone caught committing such offences would face firm legal action.
