Belgian Woman Arrested at Phuket Airport with 31kg of Cannabis Bound for France

A 21-year-old Belgian woman was arrested at Phuket International Airport after authorities discovered more than 31 kilograms of cannabis concealed in her luggage during a security inspection before departure on July 7.

Customs and airport officers selected two suitcases belonging to Salma El Khnati for additional screening after identifying them as suspicious. One was a white-and-green suitcase, while the second was black.

During the inspection, officers found 12 vacuum-sealed packages of cannabis flowers weighing approximately 28.3 kilograms inside the first suitcase. The second bag contained eight additional packages of processed cannabis, bringing the total amount seized to over 31 kilograms.

According to investigators, the Belgian national was preparing to board a flight from Phuket International Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in France.

Police said the suspect admitted the cannabis belonged to her. She has been charged with attempting to export prohibited goods from Thailand, an offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to four times the value of the goods, or both.

Authorities also stated that the case includes alleged violations of Thailand's Act on the Protection and Promotion of Traditional Thai Medicine, which regulates cannabis-related activities.

Following the arrest, the suspect was transferred to Sakhu Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Sakhu Police Superintendent Salan Santisatsanakun said the arrest was made possible through close cooperation between multiple agencies and stricter baggage screening procedures.

Officials noted that enhanced passenger inspections are now being conducted not only at Phuket International Airport but also at airports across Thailand following the June arrest of a Thai flight attendant in Australia in connection with an alleged heroin smuggling case.

The Royal Thai Police have also deployed additional K9 units to assist Customs officers at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, where trained detection dogs are carrying out round-the-clock random baggage inspections.