The true price of a 'free' holiday

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has launched a social media campaign warning young people about being recruited as cannabis couriers from Thailand to the UK, following a surge in airport arrests.

In the first half of 2026, 600 cannabis couriers have been arrested at UK airports, following 976 arrests in 2025 and 801 in 2024. At the current rate, 2026 could set a new record.

Thailand has become a major source of cannabis smuggled into the UK since relaxing its cannabis laws in 2022, becoming the first Asian country to do so. Since then, cannabis seizures from air passengers at UK airports have increased by more than 1,200%, with over 28 tonnes seized in 2025.

Organised crime groups recruit couriers through social media, offering free holidays, spending money and an “influencer lifestyle”. However, once arrested, recruits are left to face the consequences while the criminal gangs remain beyond the reach of law enforcement.

Thai officials introduced new fines for cannabis couriers on 17 June, requiring smugglers to pay 30,000 baht (£680) for every kilogram of cannabis seized. With the average courier carrying 26kg, this could mean a fine of more than £17,000.

Beki Wright, head of the NCA’s Border Threats team, warned: “The crime group that paid you to smuggle it will leave you high and dry.” She added that couriers could remain in Thai detention until they find the money to pay, or for up to two years.

That “free holiday” could turn out to be a very expensive trip.