UK Airports Seize Record Amount of Cannabis, Officials Say
In a significant increase, UK airports have seized over 15 tonnes of cannabis so far this year, a tripling of the amount seized in 2023. The National Crime Agency (NCA) attributes the surge to the overproduction of cannabis in countries where it has been legalized, as well as the potential for higher profits in the UK market.
The NCA has arrested 378 suspects this year, compared to 136 in 2023, with many of those arrested traveling from Thailand, Canada, and the US. In recent cases, authorities have intercepted massive amounts of cannabis, including 158kg found in eight suitcases at Manchester airport and 510kg in 28 suitcases at Birmingham airport.
The NCA warns that couriers are often unaware of the potential penalties for cannabis importation, which can include up to 14 years in prison. Instead, they are often promised a fine if caught, but in reality, face significant jail time.
James Babbage, the NCA’s director general of threats, urged individuals approached to engage in smuggling to carefully consider the potential consequences of their actions. “Gangs can make significant profits by selling and smuggling perceived high-quality cannabis legally grown in the USA, Canada, and Thailand illegally in the UK,” he said. “We would appeal to anyone who is approached to think very carefully about the potential consequences of their actions, and the risks they will run.”
