Young travellers across the South warned over ‘free holiday’ drug smuggling offers

Young people across the South heading abroad this summer are being warned not to risk their futures by accepting offers of so-called “free holidays” which could be linked to drug smuggling.

Border Force says criminal gangs are using popular social media platforms to target young people and recruit them to smuggle cannabis into the UK.

The warning comes ahead of the peak summer holiday season, with officials saying some young travellers are being tempted by offers of luxury holidays, business class flights and spending money.

The number of cannabis smugglers caught arriving in the UK by air rose from 142 in 2023 to 976 in 2025.

Border Force says 600 air passenger couriers were arrested at UK airports during the first six months of 2026, with men aged between 18 and 37 travelling from Thailand making up the largest group of those detained.

Criminal networks are said to be specifically targeting school and university leavers, first-time travellers and people tempted by cheap or free holidays offered by so-called friends.

Border Force officers are now increasing warnings to travellers at UK airports ahead of the busy summer period.

Officials have issued five key pieces of advice: refuse offers of free holidays, flights or luxury accommodation; know exactly what is inside your luggage; be cautious of approaches through social media; keep hold of your passport and personal documents; and remember that bringing cannabis into the UK remains illegal.

Border Force says platforms including TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram are being used by organised criminal gangs to approach young people.

Travellers are also being warned never to carry luggage belonging to somebody else and to treat any request to hand over a passport as a serious warning sign.

Kate Goldstone, Border Force Lead Officer for Safeguarding, said: "Organised criminal gangs are exploiting young people for profit – living it up while leaving their courier victims facing lifetime consequences.

"Our message to young travellers is simple. If an offer feels too good to be true, it probably is.

"A single decision made before a holiday could lead to a criminal record, a prison sentence and years of lost opportunities."

Border Force says anyone caught smuggling cannabis could face arrest, prosecution, a criminal record and up to 14 years in prison, as well as restrictions on future travel.

Cannabis seizures by Border Force are now at record levels, with seizures increasing by 50 per cent in the last year.

UK law enforcement seized 2.1 tonnes of cannabis from air passengers in 2022, rising to more than 28 tonnes in 2025.

While Thailand has been a particular focus, Border Force says criminal gangs can operate wherever cannabis is legal or more readily available, including Canada, the United States and parts of Europe.

The warning coincides with a joint UK-Thailand crackdown on cannabis smuggling.

Britons caught attempting to smuggle cannabis from Thailand could face average fines of around £17,700 or up to two years in prison.

Anyone approached about carrying cannabis or other illegal drugs is being advised to contact local authorities, consular services or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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