A 23-year-old man from Coventry has been jailed in Dublin for three and a half years after smuggling nearly 25kg of cannabis from Thailand. James Kearns said he was duped by Thai traffickers who promised to clear his £4,000 drug debt and fund his trip.
A 23-year-old man from Coventry was jailed for three and a half years in Dublin last Thursday. James Keans was arrested by Gardaí in February, carrying nearly 25 kilograms of cannabis in his suitcase on a flight from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. The first-time offender from a respectable family told the court that a £4,000 drug debt in the UK drew him into a Thai trafficking network. He said he was lured by the promise of his debt being cleared and a paid-for trip to Thailand.
A 23-year-old UK man from Coventry was jailed for three and a half years in Dublin last Thursday. James Kearns was convicted of smuggling 24.472 kilograms of cannabis into Dublin Airport. The drugs were carried after a holiday in Thailand.
Kearns was stopped by Irish Customs during a routine random search on February 12. His flight had arrived from Bangkok via Doha. Customs officers found 48 vacuum packs in his suitcase. The total quantity of cannabis was valued at €489,400. During questioning, Kearns admitted he carried the drugs for a gang operating in Thailand. He also disclosed a personal £4,000 drug debt in the UK.
Court documents show Kearns did not pack the suitcase himself. Furthermore, he made full admissions regarding the cannabis in his possession. Garda Peter Mullins from Dublin Airport Garda Station confirmed the facts in court. Kearns signed guilty pleas for breaches of Sections 15A and 15B of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.
Young courier from Coventry lured into Thai drug network after debts led to smuggling pot to Dublin
The court heard Kearns had visited Thailand multiple times due to family connections. Moreover, his lawyer said the offence aimed to clear his personal debt. The court also noted that Kearns’ father had previously paid off some of his drug debts.
The drugs were destined for Donegal. Judge Martin Nolan commented on the seriousness of the offence. Garda Mullins described Kearns as a “mule,” not the organiser. Therefore, the court concluded he carried the drugs for “more sinister third parties.”
Kearns’ age and family background were considered during sentencing. In addition, the judge noted he was otherwise of good character. Court records show he had worked at a Royal Mail warehouse and as a furniture delivery driver. Importantly, he had no prior convictions.
The mandatory minimum sentence for such offences is 10 years. However, Judge Nolan departed from this minimum. He said young people sometimes make poor decisions. As an English national, prison would be especially difficult. Nevertheless, he ruled that a custodial sentence was necessary. The headline sentence was set at four to six years. Kearns was jailed for three and a half years, backdated to his arrest. He received credit for time already served.
Kearns may apply to serve the remainder of his sentence in a UK prison under the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.
Irish judge imposes stiff prison term noting UK man’s cooperation in high-value cannabis smuggling case
Over the summer, authorities across Europe arrested multiple UK nationals returning from Thailand. Notable arrests occurred in the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain and Georgia. In addition, a Thai woman was arrested in Sri Lanka. These arrests are linked to gangs operating in Bangkok and Koh Samui. These gangs were sending drugs from international Thai airports worldwide. They exploited Thailand’s cannabis legislation to export drugs overseas.
Following pressure from foreign embassies, including the UK Embassy in Bangkok, the Thai government tightened its laws. At the same time, authorities increased enforcement against gangs involved in trafficking. Security and surveillance at airports were strengthened.
Other cases show varied outcomes for UK nationals in similar offences. In August, 22-year-old Kiala Wyles from the UK avoided jail in Manchester Crown Court. She had imported 30 kilograms of cannabis from Thailand. The judge suspended her sentence and warned her about how lucky she was not to be sent to prison.
Similarly, just last week, 19-year-old Bella Culley from Teesside, UK, was released from Georgian prison after over five months. Her release involved a plea deal and a $184,000 payment to the courts. Culley had been recruited by a gang in Thailand to transport 12 kilograms of cannabis and two kilograms of hashish. The drugs were flown from Bangkok to Tbilisi Airport via the United Arab Emirates.
Arrests of UK drug mules across Europe expose Thai gang exploiting relaxed cannabis export loopholes
Kearns’ sentence is comparatively severe. Additionally, Irish drug laws are consistently tougher than those of most of Europe and the United Kingdom. Moreover, authorities emphasise the seriousness of smuggling large quantities of drugs. Consequently, Gardaí say that international trafficking requires firm sentences.
Kearns’ lawyer highlighted his client’s cooperation with authorities. Furthermore, the court noted his prior employment and clean record. Importantly, Garda Mullins stressed that Kearns acted as a mule rather than an organiser. The court also confirmed that the drugs were intended for Donegal. However, the precise distribution plan was not detailed.
The summer arrests highlight continuing gang activity in Thailand targeting European nationals. Customs officials have reported multiple cases of mules recruited in Bangkok and Koh Samui. Furthermore, arrests in multiple countries indicate the scale of these networks. Authorities say gangs exploit debt and financial pressure on young travellers.
Court records show Kearns fully admitted possession and origin of the drugs. He accepted responsibility for transporting them on behalf of a gang. The court considered this cooperation when backdating his sentence.
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Judge Nolan emphasised that international smuggling offences carry serious consequences. Nevertheless, he took into account Kearns’ youth and family background. The court balanced mitigating factors against the crime’s severity. The final sentence reflected the large quantity of cannabis and the international trafficking context.
Authorities continue to increase vigilance over flights from Southeast Asia. Random customs searches have become more frequent at Irish airports. Gardaí report that these measures have intercepted large-scale drug shipments.
The Dublin case highlights both criminal and human aspects of trafficking. Kearns’ debt, family ties, and travel history contributed to his involvement. Authorities warn that criminal gangs particularly exploit the vulnerabilities of young travellers to Thailand.
The Thai government continues monitoring the effect of tightened cannabis laws on trafficking. Airport security measures remain under review. Diplomatic engagement from affected countries influenced these policy changes. Authorities also directly pursued gangs involved in smuggling.
Increased vigilance at Irish airports follows crackdown as Thai authorities tighten cannabis export laws
One of the kingpins linked to the Thai trade was arrested by the Immigration Bureau police in April. He was detained at a luxury apartment in Bangkok. The British national, Mr. Adel, was taken to Koh Samui as part of an ongoing investigation into the racket.
Kearns’ imprisonment demonstrates consequences for involvement in international drug trafficking. His transfer to a UK prison requires a formal application under international convention rules. Irish courts remain firm on sentencing young mules in cross-border offences. Gardaí stress the importance of continued vigilance and customs enforcement.
This case forms part of wider European law enforcement activity targeting cannabis trafficking from Southeast Asia. Arrests in the UK, Germany, Spain, Georgia, and Sri Lanka underline the international scope of operations. Gang networks continue to recruit individuals to transport drugs for financial gain.
The outcome of Kearns’ case contrasts sharply with other recent prosecutions. Sentencing varies according to local law, cooperation, and plea agreements. Some jurisdictions allow young offenders to avoid lengthy prison terms. In Ireland, judges emphasise custodial sentences to reflect the scale and seriousness of the crime.
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Customs officers and Gardaí say Kearns’ arrest reflects increased scrutiny of flights from Thailand. Moreover, inspections and random searches have intensified at Dublin Airport. As a result, authorities report that these measures have successfully intercepted drugs valued at hundreds of thousands of euros.
The Dublin court proceedings presented both human and criminal factors. Additionally, the court examined the international nature of the trafficking operation.
Kearns’ case now serves as a benchmark for sentencing similar offences in Ireland. His three and a half year sentence reflects both the high value of the drugs and the organised nature of the crime. Furthermore, the judge underlined that custodial sentences deter further trafficking.
Authorities across Europe continue coordinated efforts to disrupt international smuggling networks. Consequently, diplomatic pressure, legislative changes, and law enforcement actions remain central to these efforts. Ireland’s sentencing policy reflects the seriousness with which its courts treat international trafficking offences.
Gardaí hail airport drug seizure as court sets benchmark sentence for cross border cannabis trafficking
Kearns’ arrest and conviction highlight the ongoing recruitment of young travellers by gangs. Debt and personal vulnerability remain key factors exploited by traffickers. Authorities say vigilance and enforcement must continue to prevent further incidents.
Irish courts, Gardaí, and customs officials report that smuggling from Southeast Asia remains a significant challenge. Coordination between countries has improved seizure rates and disrupted multiple networks. Kearns’ sentence, although backdated, sends a clear signal to other potential mules.
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Ireland’s stricter sentencing contrasts with outcomes in other countries. While the recent UK and Georgian cases saw UK nationals avoiding lengthy prison terms, Irish authorities are notably stricter. Moreover, they impose custodial sentences to match the crime’s scale. Additionally, Gardaí emphasise that this approach is necessary given the threat posed by illicit narcotics to the country’s population.
The island nation is in the grip of a drug epidemic among working-age adults.
Consequently, Kearns’ case is part of a pattern showing how organised gangs exploit young people to transport drugs internationally. Authorities in Ireland continue monitoring flights and ports, while Thailand enforces tighter laws. Diplomatic pressure has, in the meantime, increased enforcement and surveillance at Thai international airports of outgoing flights.
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Further reading:
Second UK woman is jailed in a Third World hell hole following cannabis drugs bust
Health Minister Somsak launches regulatory blitz to outlaw non-medical cannabis use within 40 days
Outbound cannabis smuggling smashed by Chiang Mai police this week. Europe and London targeted
Buriram cannabis factory raided for illegal Vietnamese staff as drugs czar declares a new regime
UK ambassador meets top Thai officials to hear about plans to rein in cannabis as smuggling surges
