PHUKET, THAILAND – A 26-year-old tourist from Ivory Coast was arrested at Patong Hospital on suspicion of cocaine dealing and use during a wider crackdown on drugs and organized crime at the resort island.
Arrest inside Patong hospital
The man, identified in official records only as Mr A, was approached and detained by security forces at Patong Hospital in Kathu District on 12 February. Officers seized three Category 1 narcotics in the form of cocaine with a total weight of 4.31 grams as well as a mobile phone.
Allegations and seized evidence
According to authorities, the tourist was accused of possessing cocaine for sale and for personal use without authorization. The confiscated drugs and the phone were logged as evidence and formed the basis for the ensuing criminal proceedings.
Operation led by provincial leadership
Officials stated that the operation was coordinated on the instruction of Phuket Governor Nirut Pongphisitthaworn and other senior provincial figures. Among those involved were Vice Governor Colonel Adul Chuthong, provincial administration chief Rungrueng Thimabut, Kathu district chief Akkaraphon Suttirak Jitsusapha and Thammarong Chuai-aksorn, head of the Kathu district administrative group.
On-the-ground enforcement in Patong
The arrest itself was carried out by Jirawat Namat, head of security affairs, and Anurak Poolsak from the prevention division, together with members of the Volunteer Defence Unit Company 2 of Kathu District. The unit had been expressly tasked by provincial leaders to target drug-related crime in Patong, with a particular focus on areas heavily frequented by tourists.
Police investigation into wider networks
After the arrest, the suspect and all evidence were handed over to investigators at Patong Police Station for proceedings in line with applicable law. According to media reports, police were also looking into potential supply chains and additional suspects in an effort to uncover links to larger drug networks.
Part of a broader anti-drug strategy
Officials stressed that the intervention was part of government and Interior Ministry policy to safeguard public order and pursue a tough line against influential criminal structures without leniency. The Kathu District administration noted that intensified checks and law-enforcement measures in the drug sphere were being implemented on an ongoing basis to protect the safety of local communities and the many visitors to the area.
“The intervention is part of the policy of the government and the Interior Ministry to safeguard public order and to enforce a tough approach against influential criminal structures without leniency.”
said provincial authorities, according to the report.
“Intensified controls and law-enforcement measures in the area of drugs are being implemented on an ongoing basis in order to guarantee the safety of the community and the numerous visitors.”
said the Kathu District administration.