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.