A Russian national was apprehended at a checkpoint in Phuket on May 18 after police discovered a significant quantity of drugs in his backpack during a routine inspection of a coach bus en route to Pattaya. Officers stationed at the Tha Chat Chai Checkpoint in the Mai Khao subdistrict of Thalang district stopped the Phuket-Pattaya bus to conduct standard checks and requested identification from passengers. The Russian individual, identified as Gorskii, was unable to produce identification and exhibited behavior that raised suspicions. Witnesses reported that he appeared anxious and nervous, and attempted to kick his backpack towards the back of the bus as officers approached. This prompted the police to perform a search of both the suspect and his belongings. Inside the red-and-black backpack, authorities found various illegal substances, including 564.74 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 471.92 grams of mephedrone, 129.8 grams of heroin, 51 grams of ecstasy, 54.6 grams of amphetamine, and 582 grams of ketamine. Additionally, officers confiscated two mobile phones, a laptop, and 11,320 baht in cash as part of the evidence. Details regarding Gorskii’s interrogation have not been disclosed, and it remains unclear if further investigations will extend to other individuals connected to the alleged drug operation. According to information from the Phuket Times, Gorskii faces charges for possession of Category 1 narcotics with the intent to distribute, an offense that under Thai law can lead to prison sentences ranging from five years to life, alongside fines between 500,000 and 5 million baht. The Narcotics Control Division also indicates that severe cases of large-scale possession may be punishable by death. In a related incident from January, two other Russian men were arrested in Phuket’s Rawai district for their involvement in the illegal distribution of magic mushrooms, resulting in the seizure of over 10 kilograms of the substance. One suspect reportedly managed to escape arrest.
Source: The Thaiger
