KOH PHANGAN, THAILAND – Police on the holiday island arrested a man who identified himself only as Pedro and seized 389.35 grams of cocaine along with other drugs during a search.
Raid in Coconut Lane
The suspect was detained in the Coconut Lane area after investigators linked him to a drug distribution network operating on the island, according to police. Officers then searched his accommodation.
During the search, officers found large quantities of illegal substances, including cocaine described in part as cloudy white blocks. The drugs were seized as evidence.
Suspicion of body-pack smuggling
Part of the cocaine appeared, according to investigators, to have been smuggled into Thailand only recently. Police suspected a method in which drugs are hidden inside the body.
Within the investigative context, this method was considered an indication of professionally organized supply chains. The findings were added to the ongoing case file.
Ecstasy, ketamine and cannabis resin in the room
Besides cocaine, officers also seized ecstasy in powder and tablet form, ketamine and cannabis resin. The substances were found stored together in the suspect’s room.
Investigators also discovered packaging and distribution materials in the accommodation. According to authorities, this pointed to planned sales to visitors on Koh Phangan.
Lead from 5 March arrest to new suspect
The latest raid was triggered by earlier investigations following the arrest of a Brazilian national, who was also said to be called Pedro and had been detained on 5 March on Koh Phangan on suspicion of drug dealing. Information from that case reportedly helped broaden the inquiry.
Pol Maj Gen Chutharet Yingyongdamrongsakul, commander of Immigration Division 6, said the first arrest had allowed investigators to expand their work and bring additional foreign suspects into focus. Further operations were then planned on the island.
CCTV surveillance and local intelligence
A team from the immigration office in Surat Thani, led by Pol Col Naruawat Phutthawiro, relied on video analysis and local information to track down the suspects, according to police. CCTV footage played a central role.
This trail ultimately led officers to the accommodation of the Israeli suspect, where the drugs were found and seized as evidence. The suspect was taken into custody for further questioning.
Two Australians in the vicinity – one test, one refusal
During the operation, officers encountered two other foreigners behaving suspiciously near the property, who were identified as the Australians Kian and Mika. Police subjected them to further checks on site.
Kian tested positive for cocaine use and was arrested for illegal drug consumption. Mika allegedly refused to undergo a drug test ordered by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board and was therefore reported for resisting a lawful order.
Strict laws, political mandate, more arrests possible
All suspects were handed over to investigators at Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal proceedings, and the seized drugs remained secured as evidence. The case proceeded under Thailand’s strict narcotics legislation.
Chutharet referred to directives from the government, including from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and national police chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, and announced an expansion of the investigation aimed at dismantling the network on Koh Phangan. He indicated that additional arrests could follow as inquiries continued.