FOUR MORE British men were arrested at Samui International Airport today (March 16) trying to smuggle a total 131kg of cannabis to their home country, Amarin TV said.
The total amount seized over the past two days is 375kg packed in 22 suitcases worth 200,000 baht a kilogramme if it reached the destination, with the total value there being 75 million baht.
Immigration and customs officials together with police from Bo Phut station and other officials jointly arrested the four Britons and seized the eight suitcases they were trying to take to UK.
The four suspects were identified as follows:
– Mr. Anthony (surname withheld), 63, who had two suitcases packed with 29kg cannabis;
– Mr. Billy, 37, also checking in two suitcases with 34kg cannabis within;
– Mr. Phill, 63, checking in two suitcases holding an equal amount of 34kg cannabis;
– Mr. John, 34, checking in two suitcases likewise holding 34kg cannabis.
They were charged with smuggling goods that have not been cleared by customs out of the country under sections 242 and 252 in conjunction with sections 166 and 167 of the Customs Act 2560. They were also slapped with violating Section 78 in conjunction with Section 46 of the Protection and Promotion of Traditional Thai Medical Knowledge Act B.E. 2542 and the Public Health Ministry Announcement on Controlled Herbs (Cannabis) B.E. 2565.
Investigation revealed that their employer who is overseas hired them to travel to Thailand and transport the cannabis for sale abroad. He arranged the air tickets and accommodation for this group of suspects. They arrived in Bangkok then flew to Koh Samui and after receiving the suitcases were to board a flight to Singapore then onwards to UK.
If successful they were to be paid 2,000 pounds each (approximately 87,000 baht) and debt relief.
The huge profit from cannabis smuggling is tempting gangs to risk breaking the law.
Police are working on suppressing these smuggling gangs and are trying to track down those involved in Thailand.
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The suspects after their arrest at Koh Samui International Airport. Photos: Amarin TV
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