PHUKET, Thailand — A high-profile drug bust in Kamala has exposed a sophisticated narcotics operation with international ties, culminating in the arrest of a French national and a Thai woman allegedly running a clandestine drug lab from a luxury condominium.

Nigerian Man Arrested with Cocaine in Kamala, Phuket

The arrests came after a months-long investigation triggered by the earlier capture of a Jordanian suspect connected to Phuket’s underground drug trade. Police discovered his links to the duo—identified as a 43-year-old French national P. L. (name withheld pending formal charges) and 34-year-old Dr. S. C., owner of a medical clinic in Patong.

Region 8 Police stormed the suspects’ Kamala condo at dawn, uncovering a makeshift lab stocked with:

✔️ Precursor chemicals for synthetic drug production
✔️ 2.5kg of unfinished “happy water” (a notorious Thai party drug cocktail)
✔️ Pill presses and packaging equipment
✔️ Medical-grade vials suspected to be stolen from Dr. Supaporn’s clinic

Authorities revealed the Thai suspect allegedly abused her medical license to procure regulated substances. “She sourced pharmaceuticals to cut into street drugs,” said Pol. Maj. Gen. Sarayut Sa-nguanpokai, showing reporters seized invoices for ketamine and tramadol.

The French expat, a long-term Phuket resident, reportedly handled international distribution via encrypted apps. Police found burner phones and a ledger listing shipments to Australia and EU countries.

The bust comes as Thailand cracks down on drug-fuelled tourism. “This wasn’t some backpacker operation—it’s organized crime exploiting our medical system,” warned Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat.

Both suspects face life sentences if convicted under Thailand’s harsh drug laws. As forensic teams comb the clinic for evidence, Interpol has been alerted to track the ring’s global connections.

Ugandan Drug Courier Arrested with 16.5kg of Cocaine in Hat Yai

Travel Advisory: Tourists warned that “happy water” often contains lethal fentanyl mixes.

-Thailand News (TN)