New figures show that consular cases involving British nationals arrested abroad for drug smuggling offences more than quadrupled between 2023 and 2025. Cases increased from just over 80 in 2023 to over 340 in 2025, with more than 160 cases recorded so far in 2026.
This rise is primarily driven by cannabis-related arrests, predominantly in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Laos. More than 200 British nationals are currently detained overseas for smuggling offences connected to cannabis originating from Thailand. Approximately 60% of those affected since 2024 are aged between 16 and 30.
The UK government's Travel Aware campaign is warning travellers to be cautious about carrying luggage or goods for others. Evidence from consular casework and law enforcement partners indicates that young British nationals are being exploited by criminal networks. Recruitment often involves promises of free travel, easy money, or 'low-risk opportunities', frequently via social media.
Recruits are often told that luggage contains items like clothes, gold, or cash, only to discover after arrest that it contains drugs. Penalties for such offences abroad can be severe, ranging from decades in prison to life sentences, whipping, and in some countries, the death penalty. For example, trafficking offences in Malaysia can lead to life imprisonment and a minimum of 15 strokes of whipping, while Cambodian sentences can reach 30 years.
Minister for Consular and Crisis, Stephen Doughty MP, stated that too many British nationals are being enticed into drug smuggling schemes by criminal gangs. He emphasised that organised criminals prioritise their own profit and disregard the severe consequences for those they recruit. The UK government advises against carrying drugs or items for others, stressing that no opportunity is worth risking freedom, future, or life.