Latest news with #ThaiGangs
The Sun
4 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Cannabis seizures at UK airports soar to new highs with Thai gangs responsible
CANNABIS seizures have soared to record highs at UK airports — as Thai smuggling gangs attempt to dominate the British market in the illegal drug. The amount caught at Heathrow alone last year — 14.7 tons — was almost triple the 5.6 tons snared at all airports during 2023. 2 Nearly 27 tons of cannabis were seized at British airports last year, 400 per cent up on the previous 12 months. Some 750 people were caught by specialist cops, way up on the 134 nicked the year before. Nearly two thirds were flying in from Thailand. A record 430 suspects were arrested at Heathrow, the National Crime Agency said. Next worst hotspots were Manchester with 135 arrests and 4.8 tons seized and Birmingham, where 40 people were arrested over 1.4 tons. Thai gangs are thought to be trying to expand their stake in the British market by exploiting the Asian state's decriminalising of the drug in 2022. Many Brits are now caught trying to re-enter the UK with drugs having been lured to Thailand by the promise of a free holiday, lavish gifts and posh accommodation. In return, they must bring back suitcases stuffed with drugs. A source said: 'It's so much easier to obtain cannabis in Thailand than anywhere else. 'There is a huge amount of demand in the UK, especially for kush, which is much stronger. That explains the massive surge in seizures.' Charlotte May Lee fears being locked away for 20yrs over £1.2m Sri Lanka drugs bust – & is 'aware' of Bella Culley case More than 50 British nationals have been caught acting as drug mules on flights out of Thailand since the start of 2024. They include Charlotte May Lee, 21, held in Sri Lanka after flying from Thailand allegedly with £1.2million worth of kush. 2
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Thai drug gangs are targeting UK backpackers in order to recruit them as mules, police expert claims
Thai gangs may be targeting young British backpackers and recruiting them as drug mules, an expert said yesterday. The warning came after two women were arrested for allegedly carrying large quantities of narcotics from Bangkok airport. Bella Culley, 18, of Billingham, County Durham, was held at Tbilisi airport, Georgia, on May 11 for allegedly trying to smuggle 14kg of cannabis and hash. She had left Thailand within hours of former air stewardess Charlotte May Lee, 21, of Coulsdon, south London, who was arrested in Sri Lanka after police said she was carrying cannabis worth £1.15million. Former police general Jemal Janashia, one of Georgia's top drug crime experts, told the Mail that the fact two young British women had taken off reportedly in possession of large quantities of drugs from the same airport 'will interest investigators'. He added: 'They will be concerned about the possibility of a link and that Thai gangs may be attempting to recruit vulnerable British travellers.' Culley's father, Neil, 49, flew to the Black Sea nation as soon as he heard of her arrest, but has been unable to visit his daughter, who claims she is pregnant. The oil rig technician said: 'I have no experience in dealing with situations like this. It's very difficult.'
