Immigration and police arrested a 27-year-old Russian national for allegedly running an illegal cannabis production and distribution operation from a rented house in Pattaya. Officers seized dozens of bags of dried cannabis along with processing equipment during the raid on Friday, 6 March. Authorities say the suspect was also working in Thailand without a valid permit.
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The arrest followed an investigation by Immigration Bureau officers who had received information that a foreign tourist was operating an unlawful business in the Jomtien Beach area. Acting on orders from Pol Col Decho Sosuwannakul, Deputy Commander of Immigration Division 3, and Pol Col Napatsapong Kosit Suriyamanee, Superintendent of Chon Buri Immigration, a team of investigators inspected a property.
During the search, officers arrested Mr. Ivan Lisovol, 27, a Russian citizen. Police also seized several items believed to be used in cannabis processing and distribution, including 48 plastic bags containing dried cannabis, one drying cabinet, one refrigerator and three boxes of black plastic packaging labels “YUMMY FROST” used for portioning cannabis for sale.
Investigators also confiscated 13 additional pieces of equipment believed to be used for processing dried cannabis. Authorities said the materials indicated the operation was intended for commercial distribution rather than personal use.
Police initially charged the suspect with “selling or processing a controlled herbal substance without permission” under Section 46 of the Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Protection and Promotion Act B.E. 2542, specifically relating to cannabis flowers. He was also charged with working in Thailand without a permit under Section 8 of the Emergency Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers B.E. 2560.
Pictures courtesy of Daily News
Cannabis remains subject to regulation in Thailand despite partial decriminalisation in recent years, particularly regarding the commercial sale and processing of cannabis flowers. Foreign nationals are also prohibited from engaging in employment without proper authorisation under Thai labour laws.
Daily News reported that officials said the suspect would be handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine whether others were involved in the operation or if the products had already been distributed to customers in Pattaya.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 6 Mar 2026
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