The operation, led by Phuket Immigration Police and supported by multiple narcotics and enforcement units, followed a request for assistance from South Korean authorities seeking the arrest and deportation of a suspect accused of smuggling drugs from Thailand.
Officers executed a search warrant issued by the Phuket Provincial Court at a house in a luxury residential estate in Koh Kaew at about 8:30am on Thursday (Mar 19). The raid was carried out by an investigative team headed by Pol Lt Col Wisarut La-iad-ong, Deputy Superintendent of Phuket Immigration Police, alongside officers from Immigration Division 6, the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) and Phuket City Police.
Immigration Division 6 Commander Pol Maj Gen Chutharet Yingyongdamrongkul had ordered an expanded investigation after receiving intelligence that a South Korean suspect involved in transnational drug trafficking had fled to Phuket and was in hiding.
During the search, officers arrested four men, all South Korean nationals, and uncovered a cache of illegal drugs and related items.
A 43-year-old man was charged with joint possession of a Category 2 narcotic (ketamine) and consumption of a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine). His permission to stay in the Kingdom was also revoked.
A second suspect, aged 32, was charged with overstaying his visa, with immigration officials confirming his permission to remain in Thailand had been revoked.
Two other suspects, both aged 31, face multiple charges including possession of crystal meth ( ya ice) and ketamine, as well as drug consumption. Both were also found to have overstayed their visas by 733 days.
Police seized about 300 grammes of ketamine and 100g of crystal meth, along with syringes and other drug paraphernalia. Officers also confiscated six mobile phones, a laptop computer, branded goods, and two credit cards believed to be connected to the operation.
Authorities said the suspects had originally entered Thailand on tourist visas but were instead engaged in illegal drug trafficking activities, in violation of the conditions of their stay.
All four men have been handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings, with immigration officials preparing to revoke their visas and deport them following the conclusion of the case.
Officials noted that transnational drug smuggling operations not only pose a serious criminal threat but also risk damaging Thailand’s international reputation, adding that investigations are continuing to determine whether additional suspects are involved.