Eleven French nationals imprisoned in Thailand for cannabis trafficking

Since the beginning of summer, at least eleven French nationals have been detained in Thailand due to their involvement in cannabis trafficking. According to reports, these individuals allegedly transported drugs in their suitcases, believing it was legal.

Investigations led by the National Public Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime are ongoing regarding these cases, often referred to as 'Thailand schemes.' These schemes involve recruiting young French individuals on social media platforms, with promises of free vacations.

Recruitment is said to have been carried out by drug traffickers, who presented these drug transports as a legal opportunity. Some young people were contacted via Snapchat and convinced to participate in these operations in exchange for covered expenses.

Cannabis sales are tolerated in Thailand for medical purposes, which may have contributed to the confusion among the detainees, who did not expect to engage in illegal practices.