KOH SAMUI — Immigration police arrested two Lebanese men at a local restaurant on Thursday after uncovering a cache of narcotics, a bulletproof vest, and unauthorized medical equipment during a targeted raid on Koh Samui, the Bangkok Post reported.

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The operation, led by Pol Lt Gen Panumas Boonyalak, Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, and Surat Thani immigration officers, executed a search warrant at a restaurant in Maret subdistrict. During the search, authorities discovered ecstasy, methamphetamine, ketamine, cocaine, and psilocybin mushrooms, along with drug paraphernalia including plastic bags and a digital scale. A bulletproof vest—classified as controlled military equipment—was also seized.

The suspects, identified as 38-year-old Mr. E.A. and 28-year-old Mr. C.R., were taken into custody. A subsequent search of adjacent buildings revealed a large safe containing acupuncture needles, glass cups, vacuum cylinders, and other equipment used for cupping therapy. Mr. E.A., who claimed to be a licensed foreign doctor, insisted he performed acupuncture legally on tourists, but authorities confiscated the items pending verification of his credentials.

Immigration officers on Koh Samui have arrested two Lebanese nationals accused of running a restaurant as a front for drug dealing and operating an unlicensed Chinese medicine clinic.

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Urine tests showed Mr. C.R. positive for drug use, and he admitted to consuming narcotics the previous day. Mr. E.A. refused testing and faces additional charges for noncompliance with narcotics officials.

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Both men remain in custody as police expand the investigation into possible drug distribution and unlicensed medical practices. The case underscores ongoing efforts to combat transnational crime and illicit activities in Thailand’s tourist hotspots.

-Thailand News (TN)