KOH PHANGAN – A Russian DJ, known for performing at Thailand’s island party hotspots, has been arrested for drug trafficking following a police sting operation involving undercover agents and digital surveillance.

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The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Mr. Atoian, also known by his stage name “DJ Vigen,” was apprehended on Koh Phangan after police confirmed he had been selling illegal substances to tourists via encrypted messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram. Authorities described his method as a digitally sophisticated drug distribution network, typically associated with organized crime.

The operation was initiated after police received intelligence that the suspect was supplying cocaine and ketamine to partygoers. An undercover officer posed as a buyer and arranged a drug deal with Mr. Atoian via WhatsApp. The transaction was set to take place at Hua Thian Pier, a well-known docking site on the island.

A Russian man, 37, was arrested on Koh Phangan island in this southern province Saturday evening with packets of cocaine and ketamine.

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As Mr. Atoian arrived at the agreed location, police moved in to arrest him. The suspect attempted to flee on a motorcycle, leading to a short chase. He was intercepted in a dead-end street, where he tried to dispose of the drugs by tossing them into the sea. Officers quickly recovered plastic bags containing 2.20 grams of cocaine, 1.12 grams of MDMA, and 2.04 grams of ketamine.

In addition to the drugs, police seized two mobile phones, an electronic cigarette, and 13,000 baht in marked banknotes used during the sting. During questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted to distributing drugs at island events to supplement his income as a DJ.

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Authorities later confirmed that Mr. Atoian had a prior criminal history, including an arrest in July 2024 for reckless driving that resulted in serious injury and property damage. Investigations into potential accomplices and the extent of his distribution network are ongoing.

-Thailand News (TN)