Rule number one for any potential drug smuggler would, I imagine, be to not hide your illegal stash in your passport. But that eminently sensible piece of advice seems to have escaped poor, beleaguered Jamie Swain, a British tourist arriving at Phuket International Airport.

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British tourist arrested with cocaine hidden in passport

By webfact
Saturday, 4th May 2024 at 03:34 AM in Phuket News


29-year-old Jamie Louis Swain from Enfield, North London, could face up to twenty years in a Thai prison after reportedly being caught with cocaine hidden in his passport. Swain was arrested at Phuket International Airport on his arrival from an Etihad Airways flight on Thursday night.

An immigration officer discovered a small plastic bag filled with white powder in Swain’s passport during routine checks for visa stamping. Authorities confirmed the substance was 0.42 grams of cocaine. Swain's questionable reaction to the discovery led to a further search of his luggage.

Swain was charged with importing and possessing category II narcotics, namely cocaine, a violation of Thailand's Narcotics Act. This crime could lead to a maximum sentence of 20 years to life in jail, along with a fine between 2,000,000 – 5,000,000 Baht (£43,000 to £108,000).

In addition to this, cocaine possession is punishable with up to five years or up to a 100,000 Baht (£2,000) fine in Thailand. Swain's case has been turned over to Sakhu Police Station for further legal action.

Source: ASEAN NOW