AFP reported in August 2026 that at least 11 French nationals have been held since early summer after cannabis, reported as several kilograms, was found in their luggage.
Relatives told French media the young travelers may have been tricked into carrying bags in exchange for free holidays in Thailand, and say they did not know what was inside. Libération reported that at least five of them are aged 18 to 26 and that the holiday offer allegedly came from the manager of a smartphone trading company.
One 20-year-old was arrested in mid-July while preparing to fly to Paris. About 16.8 kilograms of cannabis was reportedly found in a locked suitcase. He said he was approached on Snapchat and told the courier job was legal. Arrests took place at airports in Thailand and Hong Kong. French consular services have been mobilized, and French prosecutors are investigating.
No one is named, no specific charges are reported, and none has been convicted.
Why it matters: The offer of a free trip in return for carrying a bag appears in more than one of the cases we have covered.
Source: The Star (Malaysia, AFP wire report), 2026-08-13. Forgotten Prisoner's account is based on this reporting. An arrest or charge is not proof of guilt.