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UK–Thai Partnership Cuts Cannabis Smuggling by 90% in First Quarter of 2025

New pre-shipment checks and joint operations have significantly curbed trafficking, with over 1.5 tonnes intercepted and 50 arrests made since January.

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Overview

  • A UK–Thai agreement requiring pre-shipment parcel checks has reduced cannabis smuggling by post to the UK by 90% in the first three months of 2025.
  • The UK Border Force detected 1.5 tonnes of cannabis in postal shipments during the first quarter of 2025, following Thailand's stricter customs measures.
  • Operation Chaophraya, launched in mid-2024, has led to over two tonnes of cannabis surrendered by air passengers and over 50 arrests of British nationals in Thailand.
  • Thai customs intercepted over 800 smugglers and seized nine tonnes of cannabis between October 2024 and March 2025 as part of enhanced border enforcement.
  • Officials emphasize the collaboration's success in disrupting organized crime, protecting communities, and allowing enforcement agencies to focus on other priorities.