PHUKET, THAILAND – A Russian man holding a student visa has been arrested in Phuket for allegedly selling cocaine using QR codes posted on power poles across the island. The case has drawn attention because the suspect was also carrying a document identifying him as an adviser to a Thai police officer.
According to Member of Parliament Chalermpong Saengdee, the investigation began after small stickers with QR codes appeared on electricity poles around Phuket. The codes led to a website featuring a photo of a woman holding a bag of cocaine alongside advertisements for various illegal drugs.
“After a more extensive investigation”
said Chalermpong Saengdee, the 31-year-old Russian Anton Tiutiaev was identified and later detained.
Undercover operation via Telegram
Undercover officers scanned the QR codes and were redirected from the website to a Telegram group chat that investigators say was clearly used for drug transactions. The officers ordered drugs through the group and arranged a meeting. When Tiutiaev arrived at the agreed location, he was arrested on the spot.
Police reported finding six packets of cocaine in his possession, describing the evidence as overwhelming. Further checks revealed that Tiutiaev was in Thailand on a student visa, allegedly enrolled at a private university in Phuket. Investigators were surprised to discover he also carried a document stating he served as an adviser to a police officer. The identity of the officer has not been disclosed.
Severe penalties under Thai narcotics law
Tiutiaev is being prosecuted under Section 146 of Thailand’s Narcotics Act for the manufacture, import, export, distribution or possession of Category 2 drugs. He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine ranging from 200,000 to 1.5 million baht (approximately 5,000–37,500 euros). He has been taken to Chalong Police Station, where legal proceedings have been initiated.
Authorities note that this is the third similar case involving Russian nationals within a short period. Earlier in November, a Russian man was arrested on Koh Samui for promoting drugs via QR codes, and another Russian suspect using the same method was detained shortly before that. Thai officials have reiterated their zero-tolerance stance toward foreign drug dealers, warning that for alleged students like Tiutiaev, the dream of life in Thailand may end behind bars.