A Russian national, Anton Petukhov, has been arrested on Koh Phangan for selling drugs through an automated system on the Telegram app. On March 9, police stopped Petukhov near Hua Thian Pier, where he reportedly appeared intoxicated and admitted to cocaine use. Subsequent searches revealed he was operating a sophisticated drug distribution network using GPS coordinates to direct buyers to hidden stashes.
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Petukhov, a 41-year-old DJ on the island, used his position at entertainment venues as a cover for his illegal activities. Customers would place orders via Telegram with automated responses, pay by credit card, and then receive precise GPS locations to retrieve the drugs. Police confiscated a variety of substances, including over 115 grams of cocaine and significant amounts of ketamine and MDMA.
Among the confiscated items was a new type of pill called "2CB," also known as “wolf head” or “skull,” due to its colorful appearance targeting partygoers. Authorities cautioned that this polydrug mixture poses serious health risks, including potential respiratory failure or death. Petukhov faces multiple charges, ranging from possession to the distribution of dangerous narcotics.
Experts stress the dangers of such advanced drug sale methods that bypass traditional police detection. Law enforcement agencies are urged to develop more sophisticated techniques to counteract these digital distribution networks. As the investigation progresses, authorities are looking into expanding the probe to potentially uncover additional conspirators or similar operations, reported Khaosod.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Khaosod · 09 Mar 2026
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