Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

A 33-year-old Kazakh national was arrested at a police checkpoint in Phuket after officers found cocaine hidden on his body and drug-sale QR code stickers in his bag, raising concerns about drug distribution targeting tourist areas. The arrest took place during heightened New Year security operations and led to immediate legal action for possession of a Category 2 narcotic.

The suspect, identified as Mr Kartashev Kirill, was stopped on 31 December 2025 at a checkpoint in Karon subdistrict, Mueang Phuket district. Police discovered one bag of cocaine weighing a total of 1.10 grams concealed in his underwear, along with 60 QR code stickers labelled “KOKC MEF”, a black Redmi A3 mobile phone and a black shoulder bag.

Police said the arrest occurred while officers from Karon Police Station were conducting public safety checks during the New Year holiday period. Mr Kirill was a passenger on a white Honda motorcycle taxi travelling from Patong to Karon when officers noticed he appeared nervous and suspicious, prompting a stop and search.

Following his detention, Mr Kirill was taken to Karon Police Station for further questioning. He reportedly confessed that the seized items belonged to him and stated that he had been contacted through a Russian-language job group on the WhatsApp application.

According to investigators, a contact from the group left the cocaine, stickers and a payment of 500 baht inside a box placed by the roadside in Patong. The suspect said he was sent a location pin to collect the items and was instructed to distribute the stickers.

Police stated that the stickers contained QR codes allowing users to scan and join a group to order drugs. Mr Kirill admitted he intended to place the stickers on electricity poles and along roads in well-known tourist locations.

Authorities charged the suspect with unlawful possession of a Category 2 narcotic, namely cocaine. He was handed over to investigators at Karon Police Station to proceed with legal action under the law.

Khoasod reported that the case has highlighted ongoing efforts by police to prevent drug trafficking and distribution networks from operating in major tourist destinations, particularly during peak holiday periods when visitor numbers are high.

Key Takeaways

• A Kazakh national was arrested in Phuket on 31 December 2025 with 1.10 grams of cocaine and 60 drug-related QR code stickers.

• Police said the suspect was recruited through a Russian-language WhatsApp group and paid 500 baht to collect and distribute the materials.

• The stickers were intended to be placed in tourist areas to facilitate drug sales via online groups.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2026-01-01

 

Never trust a guy in an NBA singlet.

Stricter visa policy is required!

There’s no way that was a normal check point stop. Police must have had a tip off. I mean, how often do they search the inside of a persons underwear at these normal road stops?

Reading the details of the story it just goes to show how Sophisticated the operation is for hard drug distribution is in Phuket. This guy is just a mule but I do hope there is a just as sophisticated counter operation in place to capture the ring leaders behind the operation.

Another phukwit who thinks posting QR code stickers to advertise the product he’s selling is a smart business move. His 2026 expectations have just taken a turn for the worst and deserves what’s gonna happen to him.

22 hours ago, wensiensheng said:

This guy is just a mule

He says he is. But what prat accepts 500 baht for that level of risk. What a tool of he is.

if you want to get down

down on the ground

cocaine

5 hours ago, gravity101 said:

He says he is. But what prat accepts 500 baht for that level of risk. What a tool of he is.

No argument from me on that score.