Nearly 32kg of Cannabis Seized From Belgian Traveller at Phuket Airport
Nearly 32kg of Cannabis Seized From Belgian Traveller at Phuket Airport
PHUKET, 8 Juy 2026 — A 21-year-old Belgian woman has been arrested at Phuket International Airport after authorities allegedly discovered nearly 32 kilogrammes of cannabis in two suitcases as she prepared to leave Thailand.
The arrest took place on 7 July at the international departures terminal of Phuket International Airport in Mai Khao, Thalang district. Authorities identified the suspect as Salma El Khnati, a Belgian national.
Officials became suspicious of two suitcases belonging to the woman, one green and white and the other black. A search uncovered 12 vacuum-sealed packages containing 28.3 kilogrammes of cannabis flower and eight packages containing 3.4 kilogrammes of processed cannabis.
The total amount seized was approximately 31.7 kilogrammes.
According to authorities, the suspect admitted that the two suitcases and all of the cannabis belonged to her. Officials said she also acknowledged attempting to take the cannabis out of Thailand.
The woman was charged with attempting to export goods without completing required customs procedures under Thailand’s Customs Act. Authorities said she also faces offences under the Narcotics Code, laws protecting and promoting traditional Thai medicine, regulations governing controlled cannabis and other relevant legislation.
Following her arrest, the suspect and the seized cannabis were handed over to investigators at Sakhu Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Pol Col Salan Santisatsanakul, superintendent of Sakhu Police Station, said the arrest resulted from close cooperation between airport security agencies and customs officials.
He said authorities have intensified inspections of passengers and baggage at Phuket International Airport to prevent prohibited and controlled goods from being illegally taken out of the country.
Officials will continue to strictly enforce the law against anyone attempting to illegally export controlled or prohibited items, he added.
Daily News reported that the arrest comes as Thai authorities increase scrutiny of outbound passengers following a series of attempts to smuggle cannabis overseas. Airports across Thailand have stepped up baggage screening and cooperation between law enforcement agencies amid concerns over international cannabis trafficking.
