PHUKET, THAILAND – Tourist police arrested a 31-year-old Russian man in Chalong after an undercover operation exposed him using a student visa to sell cocaine to visitors.
Authorities on the island conducted the operation late on Friday evening, arranging a purchase with the suspect known only as “Mr. Anton.” Officers met him inside a hotel in Tambon Chalong, where the exchange was to take place. Police Colonel Pitaya Thepmueang confirmed the arrest and the seizure.
“We confiscated six small packets containing a total of 1.2 grams of cocaine.”
said Pitaya Thepmueang, Police Lieutenant Colonel.
Use of student visa as front
Investigators from the Tourist Police Division said the suspect had registered with a private language school in Phuket to secure a student visa. However, the ongoing inquiry found that he used the permit as a cover to supply narcotics to foreign clients through Telegram.
According to a police inspector, the man operated within a wider distribution group online.
“He used a chat group with numerous members.”
said Police Inspector.
Stickers led to arrest
Police traced the dealer using coded stickers posted on electricity poles around tourist zones in southern Phuket. The stickers included contact references linked to encrypted messaging groups used to advertise drugs. This pattern triggered a broader investigation involving several districts on the island.
Investigators believe the Russian suspect was among the key members of a local trafficking network selling narcotics to short-term visitors.
Heavy penalties under Thai law
Under Thai narcotics law, trafficking cocaine is treated as a serious criminal offense. If convicted, the 31-year-old faces prison sentences of several years and substantial fines. Following imprisonment, the man is expected to face deportation and a permanent entry ban.
Officials from the Phuket Provincial Police confirmed that his student visa had been invalidated.
Crackdown on drug-linked visas
The case comes amid an intensified national effort to monitor education-related visas used by foreigners. In recent months, immigration agencies have tightened controls and reviewed documentation at multiple language schools across the region.
Local officials stated that recurring drug-related arrests involving foreign nationals risk damaging Phuket’s tourism reputation. Authorities promised sustained enforcement actions against organized drug trade networks on the island.
- 1 suspect arrested in undercover sting
- 1.2 grams of cocaine seized
- Student visa revoked after arrest
- Investigation expands to language schools and online networks