Border Force: don’t let drug smugglers steal your future

Expert officers share top tips to keep young travellers safe this summer holiday season as criminals approach young people to smuggle drugs

Young people heading abroad this summer are being warned not to risk their futures by being lured into accepting a ‘free holiday’.  

Criminal gangs are using popular social media platforms to groom young people into smuggling cannabis into the UK.  

Ahead of the peak summer holiday season, Border Force has shared its top 5 tips to avoid being ensnared by smugglers.   

Seduced by the offer of free luxury holidays, business class flights and easy spending money, too many young Brits are falling into the trap of organised crime.   

The number of cannabis smugglers caught arriving in the UK by plane has surged from 142 in 2023 to 976 in 2025.

And 2026 is on track to be even worse, with 600 air passenger couriers arrested at UK airports in the first 6 months alone – with men aged 18 to 37 travelling from Thailand making up the largest group of those arrested.   

Criminal networks are specifically targeting school and university leavers, first-time travellers and those tempted by offers of cheap or free holidays from so-called friends, exploiting their inexperience and lack of awareness of the risks. 

As part of a stepped-up awareness campaign across UK airports, Border Force officers are directly warning travellers about the warning signs of criminal exploitation ahead of the busy summer holiday season.  

Border Force’s top 5 tips: 

  1. Refuse “free” holidays, flights or luxury accommodation, particularly to countries where cannabis is legal, such as Thailand, Canada, and parts of the United States. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  
  2. Know what’s in your bag. Never travel with a bag that is not yours, and if someone tells you not to look inside your luggage, treat it as a major warning sign. If drugs are found in your bag, even if you didn’t put them there, you could face arrest, prosecution, and a criminal record.  
  3. Beware of social media approaches. Criminal gangs use platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram to target young people. Resist their approaches as it risks a lifetime of painful consequences. Delete and block. 
  4. Keep hold of your passport and personal documents at all times. Criminal gangs may ask to take it from you, claiming it is part of a travel arrangement, but it can be a tactic to control and manipulate people, including checking in suitcases in their name. If someone wants to hold onto your passport for you, treat it as a serious red flag. 
  5. Cannabis is not legal. Criminal gangs may try to convince you that because cannabis is legal where you are travelling, it is acceptable or low risk to bring it back to the UK. It is not. International drug smuggling is a serious criminal offence that can result in imprisonment at home and abroad.  

Kate Goldstone, Border Force Lead Officer for Safeguarding, said: “Organised criminal gangs are exploiting young people for profit – living it up while leaving their courier victims facing lifetime consequences.  

“Our message to young travellers is simple. If an offer feels too good to be true, it probably is. 

“A single decision made before a holiday could lead to a criminal record, a prison sentence and years of lost opportunities.”

Border Force is warning that, regardless of how someone became involved, anyone caught smuggling cannabis could face arrest, prosecution, a criminal record, up to 14 years behind bars and restrictions on future travel, potentially damaging future employment, education, and life opportunities. 

Border Force’s cannabis seizures are now at a record high, increasing by 50% in the last year. UK law enforcement seized 2.1 tonnes of cannabis from air passengers in 2022, rising to more than 28 tonnes in 2025. 

While Thailand has been a particular focus, Border Force is warning that gangs can operate wherever cannabis is legal or more easily available, including countries such as Canada, the United States, and parts of Europe. 

The warning comes as a joint UK-Thailand crackdown on cannabis smuggling comes into force, with Brits caught attempting to smuggle cannabis from Thailand facing average fines of around £17,700 or up to 2 years in prison. 

Anyone approached about carrying cannabis or other illegal drugs should report it to local authorities, consular services, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Update: Wildfire at Cairngorms National Park

Six fire appliances, two all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), a Wildfire Support Unit and a water carrier are at the scene

Firefighters are continuing to tackle a wildfire in the Glenmore area of the Cairngorms National Park for a fourth consecutive day, supported by specialist resources and helicopter water-bombing operations.

The situation on the ground remains dynamic and continues to be influenced by changing weather conditions, particularly wind strength and direction.

However, there has been significant progress over the past 24 hours, with conditions on both the eastern flank, including the Strathnethy area, and the western flank showing marked improvement compared with this time yesterday.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) continues to work in partnership with agencies and landowners to build on this progress.

The period between 3:00pm and 6:30pm remains the most challenging part of the day, as warmer temperatures and changing wind conditions can influence fire behaviour. Firefighters are continuing to monitor conditions closely and respond where required.

In light of the progress made, SFRS is reviewing its operational requirements and resource deployment for tonight and tomorrow. Crews remain fully committed to maintaining control of the incident and protecting local communities.

There are encouraging signs across the affected area, with visible improvements becoming increasingly evident. While this is positive, wildfires can change rapidly and unexpectedly, and it is important that we do not become complacent.

Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Michael Humphreys said: “We hope this update provides reassurance to local residents and communities. However, it is equally important that expectations are managed given the unpredictable nature of wildfire incidents and the ongoing influence of weather conditions.

“We would like to thank the partnership working of landowners and agencies and our local communities for their continued patience, and cooperation throughout this incident.”

UPDATE: 6pm, Saturday 18 July

Relief as Edinburgh Furniture Initiative stays put!

Following a few uncertain months, we can now let everyone know that our social enterprise, Edinburgh Furniture Initiative, is staying put!

EFI is Four Square’s re-use furniture shop where all proceeds support people facing homelessness in Edinburgh.

With the help of the excellent people at Graham + Sibbald and Thorntons Law LLP we have agreed a long lease with new building owners Thistle Property Group and will be here for many years to come. 🎉

We are delighted and very relieved.

EFI is the lifeblood of Four Square, helping us run our charity.

Thank you to everyone who shops, donates and supports us. Every share, every recommendation helps us and our city!

🏠 Established in 2005, Edinburgh Furniture Initiative by Four Square helps you build a sustainable, characterful home with value-for-money pieces.

👋 Come visit us 454 Gorgie Rd, Edinburgh, EH11 2RN

🗓️ Open 7 days

🚚 Delivery only £25 (in Edinburgh)

FREE event – What can people in Scotland learn from the Indian Left?

FREE event – What can people in Scotland learn from the Indian Left?

Sunday 26th July, 11am – 2pm

Room 2.14 St Leonard’s Land (University of Edinburgh: EH8 8AQ)

Lunch Provided

Places Limited – Book Here

The Student’s Federation of India (Edinburgh branch) and Cat’s Cradle are putting on a workshop which takes participants through the history of the post-independence Indian Left and explores the influence of student movements and protests.

From protests during the 1975–77 Emergency through economic liberalisation in the 90’s and the rise of Hindutva politics, we provide an overview of the development of student activism in India while also asking the question: Where is the Left now and what next? And what can people in Scotland learn from this?

Everyone is very welcome – whether you have no knowledge about Indian history and politics at all, or whether you have an encyclopedic knowledge. 

During the workshop, participants will also work in small groups with historical materials to re‑enact pivotal moments, an interactive exercise designed to show how protest is made in India. 

Edinburgh graduate helps advance menstrual health and period product choice in Scotland

Having just celebrated her graduation from Queen Margaret University (QMU) last week, Dominique Haig is already making an impact through research that is helping to inform policy and practice around menstrual health and period poverty in Scotland.

Dominique, from Edinburgh, received her MSc in Sexual and Reproductive Health after completing a dissertation that examined institutional barriers to the uptake of reusable period products following the introduction of the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act 2021. Her findings were subsequently developed into policy briefs for educational settings and policymakers and published in the journal ‘Women’s Reproductive Health’.

During her studies at QMU’s Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD), Dominique developed a strong interest in menstrual health and equity. Her research focused on improving awareness, accessibility and choice around reusable period products, recognising the importance of menstrual autonomy and ensuring that everyone who menstruates can access products and support that meet their needs.

Reflecting on her time at QMU, Dominique said: “Studying at the Institute for Global Health and Development at QMU was an incredibly rewarding experience. I was constantly inspired by my lecturers and fellow students, and I valued the opportunity to explore areas of global health that genuinely interested me, with a particular focus on menstrual health.

“The research-informed and experience-based teaching provided a strong foundation for my future work. IGHD created a real sense of community and truly embodied the idea of a global department, bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences.

“The support I received from across the university throughout my studies, and beyond completing my degree, has been invaluable. I learned so much during my time at QMU, and I am incredibly grateful that it was the place where I began my professional journey.”

Dominique’s dissertation explored how institutions are implementing Scotland’s world-leading legislation on free period product provision and identified factors that can affect awareness and uptake of reusable products. By translating her findings into practical policy recommendations, she hopes to support organisations in offering greater choice and improving access to sustainable menstrual health options.

Alongside her menstrual health work, Dominique is currently completing a placement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), contributing to a thematic group focused on substance use in emergency settings – an important but under-researched area of global health.

Looking ahead, Dominique hopes to continue working across research, advocacy and policy, bringing together her interests in menstrual health, equity and global health to improve health experiences and outcomes for people in diverse contexts.

Maria Bertone, Reader in the Institute for Global Health and Development at QMU, said: “Dominique’s work demonstrates the power of research to address real-world challenges and contribute to meaningful policy discussions.

“Her commitment to improving menstrual health equity and her ability to translate academic research into practical recommendations exemplify the values of the Institute for Global Health and Development.

“We are delighted to see her research reaching audiences beyond the university and wish her every success as she continues her career in global health, research and advocacy.”

Dominique and her classmates were in good company at the QMU graduation ceremony on 6th July.

They celebrated their success alongside human rights activist Fatou Baldeh MBE, who was awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her campaigning work to protect women and girls from violence and discrimination, and to eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM).

Fatou is also a graduate of QMU’s Institute for Global Health and Development.

Princes Street closure progress update

DIVERSIONS IN PLACE FOR RUGBY and EDINBURGH FESTIVAL CARNIVAL

Multi-agency efforts to minimise city centre disruption and make the former Debenhams building safe continue, following a major fire on 9 July.

While Princes Street is expected to remain closed between Frederick Street and South Charlotte Street until August, contingency planning is underway to help limit the impact on transport, businesses, the festival and other events.

This includes the rerouting of the Edinburgh Festival Carnival so it can still take place on Sunday and traffic diversions to aid travel to and from the Scotland v Fiji rugby match on Saturday, while changes to bus routes have been put in place to improve general traffic flow in the area.

Council teams continue to offer one-to-one advice and support to businesses affected, and it is hoped that all businesses on Rose Street will be able to reopen tomorrow (Saturday). The Council Leader has also written to the First Minister to request additional support for businesses from the Scottish Government.

Trams are currently only able to operate between the Airport and Shandwick Place but all options are being explored to re-establish operations along the full route as soon as possible.

Officers are working closely with Voi Bikes to provide additional capacity, particularly in and around Leith, and will be expanding the fleet from 800 to 1000 bikes by the end of next week. Additional bike parking infrastructure is being arranged in the city centre to accommodate those travelling into the city from Leith and Newhaven.

Complex and time-consuming work is ongoing to make the fire-damaged building safe, alongside preserving as much of its heritage value as possible.

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “There is no doubt that recent events on Princes Street continue to have a major impact on the city centre and beyond, but I’m pleased to see progress being made, both in terms of preserving and making the building safe and reducing disruption in the area.

“This has involved a huge response from Council teams and a range of partners, and I’d like to thank all those involved for their hard work over the last week to secure the building, to protect its heritage and to keep the city moving.

“I’m particularly grateful to the city’s transport providers – Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams – for their swift and constructive responses to this challenging situation and I know there’s a huge amount of work going into restoring the tram to its full route as soon as possible. But I do want to stress that this can only happen when it’s safe to do so.

“We’re in regular contact with festivals and event organisers with a view to limiting disruption to our events calendar, and I’m delighted that we’ve found an alternative route for the wonderful Edinburgh Festival Carnival so it can still go ahead this weekend. We’re also hopeful of being able to find alternative locations for some of the events and attractions displaced from George Street.

“I’m acutely aware of the effect this is having on city centre businesses too and our teams are continuing to offer one-to-one advice and support. We’re also in touch with the Scottish Government about available support and I’ve written to the First Minister to discuss what more he can offer – as he did following the Union Street fire in Glasgow.

“This road closure is essential to protect the public while experts assess the condition of the fire-damaged building and make it safe, but we’re letting everyone know that the city centre is very much still open for business and encouraging people to check our website for the latest travel advice and information on visiting the area.

“I want to repeat my thanks to everyone for their patience and understanding and look forward to another fantastic summer festival season here in Edinburgh.”

A dedicated page on the Council website has been set up to provide up-to-date information and guidance, with relevant links to partner sites and a Q&A.

This will be updated regularly as and when new information becomes available.

Letters: Argentina’s world cup success was forged in Scotland

Dear Editor

With Argentina marching into the World Cup final after defeating England, and led by superstar captain Lionel Messi, let us not forget the key role that Scots played in forging this success.

Beyond current Argentine player Alexis MacAllister, whose ancestry can be traced back to Fife, it was two Scots, Alexander Watson Hutton and Alex Lamont, who were responsible for developing the game in the country. Indeed, Watson Hutton is considered “the father of Argentine football”.

Born in the Gorbals in 1853, he emigrated to Argentina in 1882, where he taught at St Andrew’s Scots School in Buenos Aires and then went on to found the Buenos Aires English School.

In 1891, the Association Argentine Football League was established by another Scot, Alex Lamont, who was headteacher at St Andrew’s school. It is recognised as the first football league in the country and outside the British Isles. It lasted only one season and was won by a team of Scots from St Andrew’s.

Two years later, Watson Hutton established the Argentine Association Football League and restarted the tournament. In 1898 his school formed a football team which went on to become the most decorated team in Argentine football until its dissolution in 1911.

So, when witnessing the ecstatic scenes in Argentina following the win over England, spare a thought for the critical role Scots played in that nation’s footballing success!

Yours faithfully

Alex Orr

2/3 Marchmont Road

Edinburgh EH9 1HZ

Cole-Hamilton presses Transport Secretary on Echline Slip Roads

Edinburgh North-Western MSP, Alex Cole-Hamilton, has today contacted the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Stephen Flynn, urging him to reconsider the Scottish Government’s 2018 decision to restrict the A90 slip roads at the Echline junction.

The restriction has seriously altered traffic movements into and out of Queensferry. 

Almost overnight, there was a substantial increase in traffic using Station Road, Bankhead Road, and the B924 – roads that were never designed to accommodate such high volumes of traffic.

Since then, Builyeon Road became the principal route for vehicles entering and leaving the town, which has seriously decreased the safety of the road.

The new housing development in Queensferry at Builyeon Road will cause another diversion at the beginning of 2027, with traffic being re-routed through the residential development and past the new primary school.

Alex has urged the Cabinet Secretary to reverse the previous decision and open the slip roads to all traffic, cutting congestion and, crucially, improving road safety – especially for the young people who cross the road to get to school.

Speaking on the issue, Alex said: ‘The traffic flow in Queensferry has been a burden on residents for too many years now.

Many are having to wait in traffic, with my constituents also telling me how unsafe the road is to cross. This is all while a solution sits ready to be actioned.

Restoring these connections would provide a valuable alternative route for motorists, relieve pressure on the local road network, and reduce the volume of traffic which will pass through a residential neighbourhood and alongside a primary school.

I hope the Cabinet Secretary takes my concerns seriously, and we see a change soon.’

Transport Sec LetterDownload

Offshore wind farms approved

Licences granted for Caledonia offshore wind farms

Two offshore wind farms are set to be developed in the Moray Firth.

The North and South Caledonia offshore windfarms, which will cover an area of 429km2 with up to 140 wind turbines, have been granted consents and marine licences by the Scottish Government. The projects estimate they could generate enough electricity annually to power 2 million households.

In its latest Supply Chain Development Statement, Ocean Winds has committed to spend £1.7 bn in Scotland across the two projects. The wind farms will support jobs across engineering, manufacturing, ports and vessels, as well as creating long-term operations and maintenance roles.

The Caledonia South project is planning to use a mix of foundation technologies and will help advance Scotland’s position as a world-leader in floating wind.

Developer Ocean Winds must mitigate and minimise impacts to the environment and other sea users, including preparing a detailed seabird compensation plan outlining how adverse impacts on seabirds will be compensated for. These plans will need to be approved by Ministers ahead of Caledonia North and South proceeding.

First Minister John Swinney said: “We have given the Caledonia North and South offshore wind farm applications very careful consideration.  

“This consent decision is a significant step in Scotland’s progress towards tackling climate change and reaching net zero, which is a key priority for the Scottish Government.

“It is also an important decision for Scotland’s renewables sector.  This investment will be built upon further through the delivery of Scotland’s significant future pipeline of offshore wind projects.

“We will continue to work closely with the developer and key stakeholders, including those working in fishing and conservation to minimise impacts on the marine environment and other marine users, balancing the needs of people and nature.”

Portobello Beach becomes training ground for SCOTS soldiers

Portobello Beach has become an unlikely training ground for soldiers from 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS), who swapped their usual training area for the shoreline, to undertake an intense Battle PT session on the sands of Edinburgh’s coastline.

The Penicuik-based soldiers took part in the physically demanding training designed to build resilience, teamwork and fitness in a challenging environment.

Throughout the session, the Jocks tackled a series of team-based exercises, carrying weighted burdens across the sand, running through the surf and working together to overcome the challenges posed by the coastal setting.

Battle PT is designed to push soldiers beyond conventional fitness training by incorporating realistic physical challenges that require teamwork, determination and mental resilience. The soft sand, water and additional weight of equipment made even routine exercises significantly more demanding, testing both the physical robustness of the soldiers and their perseverance.

The training comes just weeks after the battalion returned from Exercise SPRING STORM in Estonia, a large multinational NATO exercise conducted close to the Russian border. Moving from the forests of Eastern Europe to the shores of Edinburgh highlights the diverse conditions infantry soldiers must be prepared to face throughout their careers.

LCpl Thomson, 2 SCOTS, who delivered the session, said: “”Training in different environments and across different terrain is extremely important for an infantry soldier. We deploy all over the world and you never know what conditions you’ll find yourself working in.

“Training on sand and in the surf brings its own challenges. The ground is harder to move across, your kit gets heavier when it’s wet and it makes exercises that little bit harder. It pushes everyone physically and forces you to work together.

“As The Royal Regiment of Scotland marks its 20th anniversary this year, it’s been a good reminder of the variety of environments SCOTS soldiers have operated in over the last two decades. We’ve been in forests, deserts, mountains and coastlines so we need to be constantly prepared for whatever comes next.”

“It’s not necessarily the beach trip most people would choose but it’s a great way to develop the fitness, resilience and teamwork you need, and hopefully it’s good preparation for summer leave.”