Russian man arrested at Phuket checkpoint with drugs on bus from Pattaya

A 29-year-old Russian man was arrested at the Tha Chatchai checkpoint in Phuket on May 19, 2026, after police found a large drug haul in his luggage during an inspection of an interprovincial bus from Pattaya. Tha Chatchai Police said the suspect, identified only as Mr. Gorskii, was carrying narcotics including ketamine, methamphetamine, heroin and ecstasy.

Police said officers became suspicious when the passenger appeared nervous as they approached. He also tried to push a bag away with his feet and could not produce a passport when asked, prompting a search of his belongings.

Drugs, cash and devices seized in bag

Inside a red-and-black shoulder bag, officers found multiple packages of illegal drugs. Police said the seizure included 564.74 grams of crystal methamphetamine, also known as ice.

Officers also took two mobile phones, one MacBook and 11,320 baht in cash. The arrest was supervised by senior officers from Provincial Police Region 8 and Phuket Provincial Police, while checkpoint and investigative teams from Tha Chatchai Police Station led the operation.

Authorities charged him with possession of narcotics with intent to distribute. Police said the case would be expanded to examine possible links to wider networks connected to the suspect.

Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/05/19/russian-man-arrested-at-phuket-checkpoint-on-bus-from-pattaya-with-large-drug-haul/