Investigators seized an estimated 10 kilogrammes of psilocybin mushrooms during a court-approved raid on a rented house in Rawai yesterday morning (Jan 12).
Police said the operation followed a complaint received by Region 8 Police, Special Branch Police and Chalong Police, alleging that a Russian group was illegally selling psilocybin mushrooms – classified in Thailand as a Category 5 narcotic – to tourists while claiming to be experts in alternative stress treatment.
According to investigators, the group promoted so-called “treatments” based on spiritual beliefs and operated under the name ‘Mushroom Temple’, charging fees to foreign clients.
Police said some customers became intoxicated after consuming the mushrooms and were required to pay for the service, raising concerns about public safety, the spread of drugs among tourists and potential damage to Phuket’s tourism image, particularly ahead of upcoming music festivals.
At 9:19am, officers from the Region 8 Police Investigation Division, the Transnational Crime Unit, Special Branch Police and Chalong Police Station executed a search warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court at the rented property.
During the search, police discovered 140 packaged bags of psilocybin mushrooms with a combined weight of 10kg.
Three Russian nationals – identified by police only as ‘Mr Rinat’, ‘Mr Alexander’ and ‘Ms Landysh’ – were found renting the house.
Mr Rinat and Mr Alexander were arrested at the scene, while Ms Landysh fled before officers arrived.
Police said a formal complaint has been filed at Chalong Police Station in relation to her role in the case.
Mr Rinat and Mr Alexander have been charged with jointly possessing a Category 5 narcotic with intent to sell without permission.
The suspects and seized evidence were handed over to investigators at Chalong Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Police said the investigation is continuing, including efforts to locate the third suspect and to determine whether others were involved in the operation.