Two Women Caught With More Than 32 Kilos of Marijuana Buds in Thailand Detained

In a joint operation at Thailand's Phuket International Airport, security forces caught two female suspects who were preparing to smuggle a large amount of marijuana buds out of the country illegally. The successful operation, conducted as a result of the coordinated work of customs officials and Sakhu Police Station teams, once again demonstrated how effective the strict security checks at the airport are. It was announced that the caught suspects were an 18-year-old citizen of the Philippines and a Thai citizen. While an investigation was launched into the incident, it was reported that both suspects were handed over to the authorities to be interrogated for legal proceedings.

The incident occurred on July 9, 2026, at the international departure terminal of Phuket International Airport. Customs officers first grew suspicious of Levannah Chelsea Guzman, an 18-year-old citizen of the Philippines, during a routine baggage check. Security personnel passing the suspect's black wheeled suitcase through an X-ray machine noticed suspicious and dense packages inside and conducted a detailed search. During the physical inspection, 14.5 kilograms of marijuana buds, carefully hidden and compressed in vacuum bags inside the suitcase, were seized.

Later that same day, around 13.00, officials this time grew suspicious of the green suitcase of Thai citizen Penpitcha Pudsieng. The teams thoroughly examining the suspect's luggage uncovered another 17.6 kilograms of marijuana buds, again hidden inside vacuum bags. Thus, in an operation conducted within just a few hours and at the same airport, a total of more than 32.1 kilograms of narcotics were seized. It was learned that in their interrogations, both suspects confessed that all the illegal substances and suitcases found belonged to them.

Both women, detained by security forces, were charged under the relevant provisions of the Thailand Customs Act. It was stated that the suspects faced multiple serious charges, including illegally exporting goods from the country, violating drug-related laws, and breaching the traditional Thai medical practice protection act. Authorities announced that the investigation was being deepened in all its dimensions and that it was being investigated whether there was a larger criminal organization behind the incident. After the initial procedures were completed, the suspects were taken to the Sakhu Police Station and officially arrested to initiate the legal process.

This incident is considered a significant result of the zero-tolerance policy applied at airports against the increasing illegal export attempts following the changes Thailand has made to its marijuana legislation in recent years. Customs officials announced that they have further tightened checks to protect the country from becoming a transit or exit point for international drug trafficking. Teams stationed at airports emphasized that they will continue to inspect the luggage of all arriving and departing passengers with the highest level of technology and care to prevent any illegal activity. Authorities added that international cooperation will continue to be increased to prevent similar smuggling attempts.