Drug smuggling abroad
British nationals are arrested abroad every year for drug offences, including drug trafficking and smuggling.
The risk of being caught attempting to smuggle drugs across international borders is increasing.
Drug smuggling is the illegal transportation of drugs across borders, while drug trafficking refers to the wider trade, distribution, and supply of illegal drugs.
Penalties abroad can be severe and may include:
- lengthy imprisonment with limited access to basic necessities including healthcare and clean water
- substantial fines
- corporal punishment (e.g. whipping or caning)
- the death penalty
Understand local drug laws
Drug laws differ between countries.
A substance that is legal or decriminalised in one country may be illegal in another.
You are subject to local drug laws even if you are only transiting through a country or
changing flights.
Just because a drug is legal to use or possess in one country does not
mean it is legal to take out of that country.
Your responsibility
You are responsible for anything you carry across an international border, even if it belongs to someone else.
If you have been offered money or a free holiday to carry items across a border, you may be unknowingly smuggling drugs concealed by criminal groups within those items.
Do not carry items across a border for someone else.
Before travelling
Before travelling, you should:
- check the latest official Travel Advice for your destination
- understand local drug laws and penalties
- check the laws in any countries you will transit through
Cannabis and travelling abroad
Cannabis laws differ around the world.
In some destinations, cannabis may be legal or decriminalised for personal use.
However, carrying cannabis across an international border is illegal in most countries. You can be arrested and prosecuted for taking cannabis out of a country, carrying it through an airport or transporting it through another country.
Do not assume that because cannabis is legally available in a destination, it can be legally taken home or carried during your journey.
If you are taking medicine in or out of the UK, check the entry requirements of your destination before you travel.
Drug courier recruitment
Criminal groups in the UK and other countries recruit people to carry drugs across international borders. They may ask you to carry an item that is concealing drugs, or they may hand over cases which they falsely claim are filled with other items such as cash, designer clothes or gold. Recruitment can take place in person or online, including through social media or gaming platforms.
Recruiters may attempt to exploit financial pressures, personal relationships or make promises of easy money
Recruitment tactics can include:
- offering money to carry luggage or packages
- offering a free holiday or discounted travel in return for a favour
- asking you to transport a suitcase, parcel or gift
- building an online friendship or relationship before asking for help
Recruiters might claim that:
- there is little chance of being stopped by customs officials
- cases are filled with other items and not drugs
- drugs can be transported legally because they were purchased legally overseas
Recruiters are also known to pressure travellers and claim you do not have a choice. You do.
Don’t risk your future.
If you are approached in the UK, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or local police if you are abroad
If you are concerned someone is being coerced into transporting drugs illegally, you can call the UK Modern Slavery Helpline at 0800 0121 700, who can provide you with advice on where to access support
How we can help
If you are arrested or detained abroad, contact consular staff at the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate.
Consular staff can:
- provide information about local legal processes
- help you contact family or friends if you wish
- provide information about finding a local lawyer
- check on your welfare in line with local laws and regulations
- provide information about local support services
- support vulnerable British nationals where appropriate
Consular staff cannot:
- get you released from prison
- interfere in another country’s legal system
- pay fines, legal fees or bail
- get you special treatment because you’re British
Before you travel
Before travelling:
- read the latest official Travel Advice for your destination
- understand local laws and cultural differences
- make sure you have packed your own luggage
- know what you are carrying