Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

Authorities in Phuket have arrested a karaoke venue waiter following an undercover operation that uncovered the sale of ketamine to customers, with immediate legal action taken against both the suspect and the establishment. The raid, carried out shortly after midnight on 26 December, also led to multiple charges against the venue’s operator for regulatory and criminal violations.

 

The operation was led by Phuket Provincial Administration in coordination with Muang Phuket District officials and investigators from Muang Phuket Police Station. At around 12.30am, officers arrested Mr Phisit, also known as “Pun”, aged 22 from Songkhla province, inside a service venue located in Soi Phunphon, Talat Nuea subdistrict, Muang district, Phuket. Police seized 1.67 grams of white crystalline ketamine as evidence.

 

Officials said the arrest followed intelligence reports that a well-known karaoke venue offering food, alcohol and entertainment was being used as a distribution point for illicit drugs. Investigators identified the suspect as a waiter at the venue who allegedly sold drugs directly to customers. An undercover officer posed as a tourist and arranged to buy 0.5 grams of ketamine for 2,800 baht, with delivery agreed at the venue.

 

When the suspect arrived to complete the transaction, officers moved in and made the arrest. During initial questioning, Mr Phisit confessed to sourcing the ketamine from an individual identified only as “Safe”, whose surname is unknown and said the drugs were delivered to the venue for onward sale to customers. Police charged him with possession of a Category 2 narcotic, ketamine, with intent to sell, and with illegal distribution of the drug.

 

At the same time, authorities arrested the venue’s supervisor on several charges. These included operating a service venue without permission, selling alcoholic beverages without a licence, allowing staff to sell narcotics, providing inappropriate services, hosting live music and selling alcohol beyond legally permitted hours. The supervisor was handed over to investigators at Muang Phuket Police Station for further legal proceedings.

 

The case highlights continued concerns over drug distribution linked to nightlife venues in major tourist areas. Local officials said the operation formed part of stricter enforcement measures aimed at preventing drug-related crime and ensuring compliance with entertainment and alcohol regulations.

 

Daily News reported that police have stated that further investigations are under way to identify the upstream supplier and determine whether additional staff or associates were involved. Both suspects remain in police custody as the legal process proceeds.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A 22-year-old waiter was arrested selling ketamine to customers at a Phuket karaoke venue on 26 December.

• Police seized 1.67 grams of ketamine and charged the suspect with possession and illegal distribution.

• The venue’s supervisor faces multiple charges for unlicensed operations and allowing drug activity.

 

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Dailynews 2025-12-27

 

 

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