Russian man arrested on Phuket-Pattaya bus with meth, heroin and ketamine

A Russian man was arrested at the Tha Chat Chai checkpoint in Phuket on May 18 after police found a large drug haul in his backpack during an inspection of a coach bus bound for Pattaya. Officers said the passenger, identified as Gorskii, was stopped during a routine check in Mai Khao, Thalang, after he failed to present identification and drew suspicion.

Police said Gorskii appeared nervous when approached and tried to move a backpack away from his seat by kicking it toward the rear of the bus. That prompted officers to search the red-and-black bag and his belongings.

Drugs and evidence seized from backpack

Police said the backpack contained 564.74 grammes of crystal methamphetamine, 471.92 grammes of mephedrone and 129.8 grammes of heroin.

Officers also found 51 grammes of ecstasy, 54.6 grammes of amphetamine and 582 grammes of ketamine.

In addition to the drugs, police seized two mobile phones, a laptop and 11,320 baht in cash as evidence.

Charge carries prison term, multimillion-baht fine

According to information published by the Phuket Times Facebook page, Gorskii was charged with possession of Category 1 narcotics with intent to distribute.

Under Thai law, that offence carries penalties ranging from five years in prison to life imprisonment. Fines range from 500,000 baht to 5 million baht.

Information published by the Narcotics Control Division states that large-scale possession of Category 1 narcotics for distribution may carry the death penalty in severe cases.

Police have not disclosed details from the suspect’s interrogation or said whether the investigation will expand to other suspects linked to the alleged operation in Phuket or Pattaya.

Source: https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/russian-man-caught-during-drug-smuggling-on-phuket-pattaya-bus