A British mother has admitted to smuggling over £500,000 worth of Thai cannabis into the United Kingdom. Amy Jayne Durban, 45, was apprehended by Border Force officers on July 6 at Heathrow Airport after arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, with two suitcases filled with 51.2 kilograms of the Class B drug.
Durban, who resides in Devon, was the subject of an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) at the time of her arrest. Days prior to being caught, she posted on Facebook, cryptically stating she was "on her way home to cut the grass." She pleaded guilty to smuggling cannabis at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court and was remanded into custody, with sentencing scheduled for October 14.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Durban had traveled to Thailand in May, though there is currently no evidence of smuggling on that occasion. Her phone has been submitted for forensic examination. The court heard that Durban's partner, who owns vape stores with her, was present in the public gallery to offer support.
Prosecutors opposed bail, citing the risk of further offenses. Her brother had also been arrested by a West Country police force in connection with cannabis possession. Durban's defense attorney indicated they would argue she was pressured and coerced into the act, describing her as naive and immature. However, prosecutors stated this claim would not be accepted without supporting evidence, asserting Durban was motivated by significant financial reward and hospitality.
Durban has a prior conviction for battery in 2000, for which she received a probationary order. Her application for bail was denied, with the judge suggesting she might be safer in custody due to her mental health struggles and the significant loss of the drug consignment. The judge noted the seriousness of the case and the likelihood of an immediate custodial sentence, ordering a pre-sentence report.
According to the NCA, organized crime groups often recruit drug mules via social media, offering them holidays and spending money in exchange for transporting cannabis into the UK. The agency has observed a significant increase in such smuggling attempts over the past three years. In 2023, 142 cannabis smugglers were caught arriving by plane. This number rose to 801 in 2024, a 464% increase, and continued to climb to 976 in 2025. The NCA reports that this year is on track to be worse, with 600 arrests in the first six months alone.
Durban's arrest coincided with the NCA's announcement of a new crackdown on cannabis smuggling with Thai authorities. Smugglers face substantial fines, with penalties set at £680 per kilogram. An average courier caught with 26kg could face fines of £17,680 or a two-year prison sentence in Thailand if unable to pay.
Mark Abbott, senior investigating officer at the NCA, emphasized the severe consequences for couriers, including prison time and damage to future career and travel prospects. He also highlighted that profits from cannabis smuggling are used to fund the trafficking of other drugs, contributing to wider crime and negatively impacting communities.