Thai customs officers detained two Uzbek citizens at Phuket International Airport after cannabis products were found in their luggage as they prepared to leave Thailand.[1] Both detainees were 26 years old.[1] The Phuket News identified the first man as 26-year-old Uzbek national Nursayid Mukhiddinovich Mukhiddinov, found with dried flowers, resin and processed cannabis totalling about 15.9 kg including packaging.[2] It identified the second man as 26-year-old Uzbek national Bunyodboy Jalilboyevich Juraboev, found with dried flowers, resin and processed cannabis totalling about 15.63 kg including packaging.[2] Both men admitted owning the suitcases and voluntarily opened them after X-ray screening flagged suspicious contents.[2] Both men were charged with attempting to export goods without customs clearance under the 2017 Customs Act plus narcotics and controlled-herb offences.[2] The detainees and seized evidence were handed to investigators at Sakhu Police Station for further legal action.[1]
Kun.uz reported more than 26 kilograms of cannabis products in total.[1] Two of the first suspect’s four bags held 30 packs of dried cannabis weighing 9.8 kg plus 14 processed items weighing 1.03 kg.[1] The second suspect’s luggage held 9.8 kg of dried cannabis, 4.1 kg of cannabis resin and 2 kg of processed products.[1] The arrests happened at about 11am on 1 July during departure baggage inspections after X-ray scans revealed suspicious contents.[2]
Thai Customs said unlawful export of cannabis is a crime punishable by a fine of up to 30,000 baht per kilogram or imprisonment by court decision.[1] Phuket authorities intend to tighten cannabis controls amid a rise in cases involving foreign tourists.[1]
