Authorities in Thailand have arrested multiple British tourists for their alleged involvement in a growing cannabis smuggling network operating through Koh Samui airport.
On March 15, four British nationals — Antony Paul Mudd, 62, from London; Billy Daniel Harman, 36, from Newham; Philip Edward Goldstone, 63, from West Ham; and John George Canning, 34, from London — were detained after authorities discovered 131kg of cannabis concealed in eight suitcases.

According to a police spokesperson, the suspects claimed they were hired by an employer abroad who arranged their travel tickets and accommodation.
The individuals allegedly received the cannabis-packed suitcases at their hotels before attempting to smuggle the drugs on a flight bound for Singapore, with their final destination being London.

While cannabis is legal in Thailand, exporting it remains strictly prohibited. Authorities have stated that those who violate this law will face severe consequences.
This latest arrest follows a string of recent drug smuggling incidents involving British nationals. Earlier in March, authorities detained 10 British citizens, one Malaysian, one Dutch, and one Romanian, at Samui International Airport for attempting to carry cannabis back to the UK.

On March 12, another group of four British nationals and one Malaysian were apprehended for allegedly trying to smuggle 144kg of cannabis to the UK and Singapore via the same airport.
The suspects, identified as Mark Siemaszkiewicz, 46; Richard McMahon, 46; Oluwatosin Peace Adefila, 27; and Bose Esther Fakuade, 26, were photographed pointing at the seized vacuum-packed cannabis.

On March 11, Shaun Eric Bainbridge, 36, from Middlesbrough, and Mark Searson-Smith, 23, from Liverpool, were arrested for similar smuggling attempts.
Authorities also detained Darryl Poole, 30, from Camden, north London, on March 17 after allegedly trying to smuggle 165kg of cannabis from Thailand. During investigations, two ‘suspicious’ bags linked to the haul were traced to Mohammed Azeem Ahmed, 26, who reportedly fled to Hong Kong after allegedly taking possession of the bags from Darryl.

Poole was later apprehended on Koh Samui while attempting to intercept a vehicle he had hired to transport the cannabis-packed suitcases to Bangkok. Investigators believe Poole had planned to

Ship the drugs to Bangkok first due to heightened airport security at Koh Samui.
Police Lieutenant General Panumas Boonyalak confirmed Poole’s involvement, stating he was charged with possessing controlled herbs (cannabis) for sale without permission.

Authorities are now investigating the broader cannabis smuggling network and identifying those involved in the operation.
In a related incident, a British tourist was recently arrested at Phuket airport after allegedly dropping cocaine from his pocket during a public outburst.

Authorities in Thailand continue to tighten security at major airports to combat the rising trend of international drug smuggling.