Fast Parcels deliver illegal drugs & weapons into the UK

We’ve launched a campaign across Cleveland to raise awareness of the use of Fast Parcels to import illegal drugs and weapons into the UK. 

Illegal drugs and weapons ordered online are delivered to home/business addresses via express parcel delivery services (Fast Parcels).  

Offensive weapons and drugs such as knuckledusters, zombie knives, swords, cannabis, heroin and cocaine are being imported into the country.

Importing drugs and weapons that may be legal in the purchasing country but not in the UK, is a criminal offence which could result in a prison sentence.  

Vulnerable people are coerced into using their home addresses to receive parcels which are then collected by others (who may also be coerced) or by the criminals themselves. If a tenant, then your tenancy could be at risk as your housing provider may remove you from your home.

There are also dangers with purchasing drugs and prescription medication illegally, which could be fatal as there is no way of knowing what they contain. 

We're encouraging people to speak up if they have any information on the import of drugs and weapons. Tell us what you know, 100% anonymously - guaranteed. Call 0800 555 111 or fill in our online form:

Give information anonymously

Between October 2024 and March 2025, UK Border Force (UKBF) seized 325 packages containing illegal drugs and weapons which were destined for addresses in the Cleveland Police area. 

88% of these packages contained cannabis which had been imported from Thailand and the USA. UKBF seized and destroyed cannabis during this period, with five packages destined for one address alone. The male at the address was arrested for the importation of Class B drugs and is currently under investigation. He is one of 34 people who have been arrested during this period.

Information that will help:

• Who is responsible for arranging parcels containing drugs/weapons being posted into the UK?
• Do you know someone that is being coerced to receive/collect parcels on behalf of someone else? If so, by whom and how are they organising this? If through social media, which platform?
• Which websites and/or social media platforms are being used to purchase drugs and weapons from overseas?
• Has someone been at your door, asking if you've had parcels delivered, that you weren't expecting? If so, do you know who that person was?

Detailed anonymous community information plays a major role in stopping crime. Even if you think it’s insignificant, it could prove to be a vital piece of information.

If you have any information on the import of drugs and weapons, tell us what you know 100% anonymously - guaranteed. We are independent from law enforcement, and you can tell us what you know in over 150 different languages, 365 days of the year, 24/7, by calling our UK-based Contact Centre on 0800 555 111 or filling in our online form, here on our website:

Give information anonymously

More information:

It is an offence to import certain specified weapons including knives, swords and other blades.

Guidance on the requirements, controls and sanctions that Border Force applies to firearms and offensive weapons, and also information on prohibitions and restrictions which apply to imports, can be found here:

• Guns, knives, swords and other offensive weapons: UK border control.
• UK Trade Tariff: import prohibitions and restrictions

4 June 2025