The operation, carried out by the Phuket office of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA), took place between 6:10am Saturday (Dec 20) and 1:10am Sunday (Dec 21), officials reported today (Dec 23).
Officials first acted on complaints that cocaine was being openly sold to tourists on Patong Beach, damaging Phuket’s reputation as a world-class tourism destination.
A Thai male suspect was arrested during the initial operation, with officers seizing two bags of cocaine weighing approximately 2.07 grammes, along with seven additional bags of cocaine mixed with tramadol weighing about 5.84g.
The man, not named in the report, was charged with possession of a Category 2 narcotic with intent to sell.
Further investigation led officers to expand the case, resulting in a controlled purchase in Soi Saensabai, Patong, where a British male suspect was arrested.
Officers seized approximately 1.03g of cocaine, photocopies of banknotes used in the operation totalling B3,000, a Honda Civic and a mobile phone. He faces charges of possession and illegal sale of a Category 2 narcotic.
Both suspects, along with all seized evidence, were transferred to Patong Police Station for further legal proceedings.
DOPA officials said the operation was part of ongoing efforts under government and Ministry of Interior policy to maintain social order and target criminal networks without leniency.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation in Thalang District, officials arrested a local drug dealer early on Sunday as part of a strict social order campaign targeting narcotics, gambling, vice activities, human trafficking and influential criminal figures.
Thalang District officers and Volunteer Defence Corps members arrested the suspect, identified only as ‘Keow’, near a guard post at a government housing estate in Moo 1, Srisoonthorn. Officers seized 25.04g of crystal methamphetamine.
Keow has been charged with selling Category 1 narcotics with intent to sell and distributing drugs illegally among the public. The case has been handed to Thalang Police investigators, reported the Thalang District Office.
Authorities said both operations reflect continuing efforts to protect community safety and uphold national peace and order.