Saudi man arrested at Phuket airport after ketamine found hidden in underwear
A Saudi national was arrested at Phuket International Airport after officers found 63 ketamine capsules, weighing about 32 grams, hidden in his underwear at the departures terminal.
A 28-year-old Saudi Arabian man was arrested at Phuket International Airport after customs officers and police found ketamine capsules hidden in his underwear as he was preparing to leave Thailand.
Officers told The Phuket Express that the suspect, identified only as Mr. Safi, was stopped at the international departures terminal after a body scanner detected irregularities. A detailed search found a white cloth pouch concealed in his underwear containing 63 red-and-white capsules filled with ketamine powder, weighing about 32 grams.
Authorities also seized two iPhones as evidence.
According to officials, Safi had already checked in with Etihad Airways and loaded two pieces of luggage before going through immigration. His attempt to take the drugs out of the country was stopped after the scanner alert led officers to carry out a further inspection.
Chemical testing confirmed the powder was ketamine, which is classified as a Category 2 narcotic under Thai law.
Safi was charged with possession and attempted export of a controlled substance without authorization, as well as violations of the Customs Act of 2017. He was later handed over to investigators at Sakhu Police Station for further legal action.
Police Colonel Salan Santisasanakul, chief of Sakhu Police, said authorities were continuing to closely monitor airports to prevent Thailand from being used as a transit point for international drug trafficking. Investigators are also examining whether the suspect may be connected to a wider smuggling network.
