Immigration police in Surat Thani have arrested an Israeli national accused of dealing drugs to tourists on Koh Phangan, seizing cocaine and several other narcotics during a raid on March 8.
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Police said the suspect, identified himself only as Pedro, was detained in Coconut Lane on Koh Phangan after investigators linked him to a drug distribution network operating on the island. Officers later searched his accommodation and discovered a large quantity of illegal substances, including 389.35 grams of cocaine, some of which appeared as cloudy white blocks believed to have been recently smuggled into Thailand by concealing them inside the body.
Authorities also seized other drugs including ecstasy in both powder and tablet form, ketamine, and cannabis resin. Equipment used for packaging and distributing narcotics was also found in the room, suggesting preparations for sale to tourists visiting the island.
The arrest followed earlier investigations after police apprehended a Brazilian national, also named Pedro, suspected of drug trafficking on Koh Phangan on March 5, 2026. According to Pol Maj Gen Chutharet Yingyongdamrongsakul, commander of Immigration Division 6, the initial arrest led officers to expand their investigation and identify additional foreign nationals believed to be connected to the drug supply network targeting tourists.
Immigration officers from Surat Thani, led by Pol Col Naruawat Phutthawiro, conducted surveillance using CCTV footage and local intelligence to track the suspects. Their investigation eventually led them to the Israeli suspect’s residence, where the drugs were found and seized.
During the operation, police also encountered two other foreign nationals displaying suspicious behaviour near the property. They were later identified as Australian nationals Kian and Mika.
Authorities reported that Kian tested positive for cocaine use and was arrested on charges of illegal drug consumption. Mika allegedly refused to comply with an order from narcotics control officers to undergo a drug test and was subsequently charged with resisting the lawful order of an officer from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board.
All suspects have been transferred to investigators at Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal proceedings. Police confirmed that the seized narcotics were confiscated as evidence and that the case will proceed under Thailand’s strict drug laws.
Pol Maj Gen Chutharet stated that the operation followed directives from the government, including Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and national police chief Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, to intensify efforts against transnational crime and foreign nationals violating Thai law.
He added that authorities are continuing to expand the investigation in order to identify additional members of the network and dismantle the drug distribution operation on Koh Phangan. Matichon reported that officials said the crackdown forms part of broader efforts to maintain public safety and protect Thailand’s reputation as a secure tourist destination.
Pictures courtesy of Matichon
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 9 Mar 2026