UK Sees 90% Drop in Mail-Order Cannabis from Thailand After International Cooperation
In a significant breakthrough, the UK has seen a 90% reduction in cannabis shipments from Thailand in just three months, thanks to a collaborative effort between the two countries. The drop in illegal imports comes after Thailand decriminalized cannabis in 2022, leading to a surge in illegal shipments to the UK.
Prior to the cooperation, UK Border Force had uncovered 15 tonnes of cannabis in the post in the final quarter of last year. However, a new agreement requiring parcels from Thailand to be checked before they are shipped has led to a significant decrease in illegal imports. In the past three months, only 1.5 tonnes of cannabis have been seized.
Border Minister Seema Malhotra hailed the cooperation as a “prime example” of international cooperation helping to achieve the government’s goal of “safer streets.” The agreement has also led to the interception of over 800 cannabis smugglers between October 2024 and March 2025, with Thai authorities seizing more than nine tonnes of cannabis during the same period.
The UK has seen a record number of illegal drug seizures in recent years, with Border Force and police uncovering 119 tonnes of drugs, worth £3 billion, in the 12 months to March 2024. The Home Office has also intercepted £6 million worth of cannabis from passengers at Bangkok Airport in a joint operation with the National Crime Agency.
Border Force Director General Phil Douglas emphasized the importance of international cooperation in preventing illicit goods from reaching the UK. “Our work doesn’t stop at the border,” he said. “We work internationally with our partners to prevent illicit goods from even reaching the UK. We are using advanced intelligence more than ever before and last year we made a record number of drug seizures, including the highest harm substances.”
The UK government remains committed to securing its borders and keeping its streets safe, and this cooperation with Thailand is a significant step in achieving that goal.
