The suspect, identified only as ‘Mr Ani’, 50, was apprehended yesterday (Apr 9) following a request for assistance from the Foreign Affairs Division of the Royal Thai Police.
Phuket Immigration reported that Ani was the subject of an arrest warrant issued in France, where he is accused of masterminding the smuggling of large quantities of cocaine from Dubai into Paris as part of an organised crime network. He is also reported to have a criminal history involving more than 30 drug trafficking and money laundering offences.
The operation was carried out under the direction of Immigration Division 6 Commander Pol Maj Gen Chutharet Yingyongdamrongkul, with Phuket Immigration officers led by Pol Lt Col Adisorn Boonchum tracking the suspect to the hotel.
Officers found Ani at the hotel reception counter, where he was approached and questioned. He confirmed his identity, police said.
Investigators later determined that Ani had entered Thailand on a tourist visa that had not yet expired. Despite the valid visa, immigration authorities moved to revoke his permission to stay in the country due to the outstanding foreign arrest warrant.
The revocation was approved by the Commander of Immigration Division 6, allowing officers to detain the suspect for further legal action.
Ani was taken to the Phuket Immigration Office, where he was formally informed of the visa cancellation through a translator before being held in custody pending deportation proceedings.
Authorities have not disclosed when the suspect will be deported to France.