The suspect, identified as ‘Mr Johnpaul’ (surname withheld), was apprehended at a rented house in Moo 11, Thepkrasattri, this morning (Feb 13).
The arrest was carried out by a team led by Phuket Immigration, in coordination with officers from Thalang Police Station, conducted the operation.
Authorities seized nine plastic bags of cocaine, each containing approximately 0.8 grammes, with a total weight of 7.2g. The drugs were found inside the suspect’s bedroom, wrapped in black tape and stored in a brown plastic bag.
The operation followed an informant’s tip-off that a foreign man had been distributing cocaine to tourists in the area. After surveillance and intelligence gathering, officers moved in on the suspect’s residence early this morning. Upon arrival, they observed Mr Johnpaul acting suspiciously before allowing officers inside, where the drugs were discovered.
During questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted to purchasing cocaine from an unidentified foreign supplier at Bang Tao Beach, reselling the drugs to foreign customers at a higher price.
He claimed to have bought 12 bars of cocaine for B2,000 each and sold them for B3,000 each, with some already distributed before his arrest.
Mr Johnpaul has been charged with possession of a Category 2 narcotic (cocaine) with intent to sell without permission. He was informed of his legal rights and transferred to Thalang Police Station for further legal proceedings, Thalang Police confirmed.
Police are continuing their investigation to identify other individuals involved in the drug distribution network, police said.