Picture courtesy of Daily News

A 46-year-old French national has been arrested at Phuket International Airport after allegedly dropping packets of cocaine during a security check, leading police to seize additional drugs from his accommodation. The incident prompted an immediate investigation involving airport security and local police, resulting in multiple drug-related charges.

The arrest took place on 5 February 2026 after airport screening staff discovered 10 small plastic press-seal bags containing a white powder at a domestic departure baggage checkpoint. The substance was later confirmed to be cocaine, a Category 2 narcotic under Thai law, with a total weight of 7.55 grams.

Police identified the suspect as Mr Najib Aftat, a French citizen aged 46. According to investigators, CCTV footage showed the bags falling from the suspect’s trousers while he was at the checkpoint, providing clear evidence linking him to the drugs.

Following the discovery, Pol Lt Col Chamnarn Intanon, an investigator at Sakoo Police Station in Phuket, was notified by airport officials. He reported the case to Pol Col Salan Santisarnakul, the station superintendent and both officers attended the scene to oversee further checks.

During questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted that the cocaine belonged to him. He also told police that more drugs were being kept at his apartment in Moo 3, Wichit sub-district, Mueang district, Phuket, and agreed to take officers there for a search.

At the apartment, police found additional narcotics, including Category 1 drugs. These consisted of 13 bags of pink powder identified as ecstasy, with a combined weight of 6.79 grams and nine bags containing a total of 44 pink ecstasy tablets.

Based on the evidence, police charged the suspect with possession of Category 2 cocaine with intent to sell, possession of Category 1 ecstasy with intent to sell, use of Category 1 methamphetamine in violation of the law and use of Category 2 ketamine in violation of the law. He was taken into custody for further legal proceedings.

Authorities have not disclosed whether the suspect intended to distribute the drugs locally or transport them elsewhere. The case has been handed over to investigators for prosecution in accordance with Thai narcotics laws, which carry severe penalties for drug possession and trafficking.

Daily News reported that police said the investigation would continue as part of broader efforts to monitor drug-related offences involving foreign nationals in major tourist destinations. Further legal steps will depend on court proceedings and forensic confirmation of all seized substances.

Key Takeaways

• A French tourist was arrested at Phuket airport after dropping 7.55 grams of cocaine during a security check.

• Police later seized ecstasy powder and tablets from his apartment in Phuket following his confession.

• The suspect faces multiple charges related to possession, intent to sell, and drug use under Thai law.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Dailynews 2026-02-07

 

 

Cue the inevitable and banal, "that's not a French name" observation.

If they were dropped or discarded at a "domestic departure baggage checkpoint", I think that trafficking charges will be a given.

1 hour ago, NanLaew said:

Cue the inevitable and banal, "that's not a French name" observation.

It is time to admit that the French look different now. People like François are in the minority, probably because they don't have time to visit Thailand since they have to work.

10 minutes ago, VBer said:

It is time to admit that the French look different now. People like François are in the minority, probably because they don't have time to visit Thailand since they have to work.

And the few French Resistance fighters who have lived this long are shaking their heads and wondering why they bothered. Same with the Limeys...

Troll post removed @PJ71

Ecstasy making a comeback!

Well at least this cretin won't be killin kids with his drugs in Thailand.

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

CCTV footage showed the bags falling from the suspect’s trousers while he was at the checkpoint

Total incompetent fail at being a drug trafficker.

3 hours ago, impulse said:

And the few French Resistance fighters who have lived this long are shaking their heads and wondering why they bothered. Same with the Limeys...

No biggie. They'll all be dead by 2030.

That'll be one less motorcycle revving its engine at Patong. Winning!

Call the sitting deputy prime minister for consultations on how he managed to walk after four years in an Aussie slammer for some flour he took along to Australia .....

16 minutes ago, tjintx said:

That'll be one less motorcycle revving its engine at Patong. Winning!

Doubt it, he was living elsewhere: Moo 3, Wichit sub-district, Mueang district, Phuket

Troll post removed.

@diveasia666 rule 15.You may not discriminate, use slurs, or post hostile or abusive comments based on personal characteristics such as race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, disability, medical history, marital or family status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Posts breaching this rule will be removed, and posting suspension or account closure may result.

11 hours ago, VBer said:

It is time to admit that the French look different now. People like François are in the minority, probably because they don't have time to visit Thailand since they have to work.

So what you're saying is that if we replace the frogs in a pond with fish "the frogs look different now". Makes perfect sense to me.

14 minutes ago, NorthernRyland said:

if we replace the frogs in a pond with fish

Not like that. “Pond inhabitants look different now”

19 hours ago, NanLaew said:

Cue the inevitable and banal, "that's not a French name" observation.

Even before I finished the article I knew someone would say that!

Bad week for Frenchies. Busted for doing it in a tuk-tuk, now this.....

Incorrect quote removed