KOH PHANGAN, THAILAND – Immigration Police arrested a Brazilian man who allegedly ran a drug delivery system for tourists on the island.
Arrest after tip about alleged tourist dealer
Investigators in Surat Thani said they acted on information from local contacts on Koh Phangan about a foreigner believed to be a major seller among travelers. The suspect was identified as Pedro, a Brazilian national who, according to police, was particularly active in tourist circles on the island.
Officers said the man had gained a reputation in the backpacker and holiday scene as a larger supplier. The investigation focused on his suspected role in distributing multiple types of illegal drugs to visitors.
Drug menu and meeting points via WhatsApp
According to officers, Pedro used WhatsApp to send customers a “drug menu” and at the same time specify exact handover locations. The system was described as a way to conceal direct dealing and avoid checks.
Police said the deliveries were arranged at short notice and at constantly changing spots to make surveillance more difficult. The approach was aimed at keeping contact brief and reducing the risk of detection by Immigration Police and local patrols.
Controlled buy in front of convenience store
Investigators set up a controlled purchase and chose a busy area in front of a convenience store as the handover point. At the agreed time, Pedro reportedly arrived on a motorcycle.
Officers moved in and arrested him at the moment he was about to hand over the delivery, according to the police account. The operation was conducted in public to secure evidence and limit the chance of escape.
What officers found in the crossbody bag
In a black crossbody bag, police said they seized six small bags of cocaine, one orange ecstasy tablet and six bags of ketamine. Officers also reported three pieces of “jelly ketamine” wrapped in foil.
This altered form of the drug was believed by investigators to disguise the substance and make it more attractive to young people. The packaging and presentation were seen as an attempt to blend in with sweets or snacks.
Cash and cannabis concentrate from the fridge
During the arrest, officers confiscated 106,200 baht in cash, which police said they suspected were proceeds from recent sales. The money was seized as part of the evidence in the case.
In Pedro’s room, officers later found cannabis concentrate (rosin) stored in a refrigerator. Investigators said the quantity and storage suggested it was being kept as stock for sale rather than for personal use.
Visa valid until 2026 – but suspicion of illegal work
A database check by Immigration Police showed that Pedro had entered Thailand on a tourist visa, which had been extended until 2026. The documentation confirmed that he was officially in the country as a visitor.
However, investigators alleged he had used his stay to work illegally. Such accusations regularly carry immigration consequences for foreign suspects in Thailand in addition to any criminal penalties.
Charges now under consideration
Investigators accused Pedro of possessing and selling drugs without permission, including ecstasy as a Category 1 narcotic, as well as cocaine as a Category 2 narcotic and ketamine as a Category 2 psychotropic substance. The charges covered both possession for sale and alleged distribution.
Additional allegations concerned illegal possession of cannabis resin, listed as a Category 5 narcotic, and illegal use of cocaine. The full set of charges is being prepared for prosecution.
Probe into possible accomplices and lifetime blacklist
Pedro was handed over to investigators at Koh Pha Ngan Police Station, who said they would now trace money flows and analyze mobile phone data. The aim is to identify links to other foreigners who might be involved in the network.
Pol Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyalak, chief of the Immigration Bureau, said the suspect would face criminal proceedings in Thailand.
“The suspect will be prosecuted in Thailand and, after a possible prison sentence, deported and banned for life from re-entering the country.”
said Phanumas Boonyalak, Immigration Bureau chief.
Wide-ranging raids on foreign dealers on the island
In parallel, officers reported a broader operation against foreign drug dealers on Koh Phangan, during which suspects from Italy, France and Russia were also said to have been arrested. The raids targeted multiple locations associated with the island’s party and tourism scene.
According to authorities, the operation uncovered more than 71 million baht in income from drug trafficking. Officials said the figure highlighted how lucrative the market had become in party and holiday hotspots on the island.