PHUKET – A Russian man residing in Phuket under a student visa has been apprehended for allegedly distributing cocaine through encrypted messaging platforms, highlighting concerns about foreign nationals exploiting educational visas for criminal activities. The 31-year-old suspect, identified only as Mr. Anton, was arrested during an undercover sting operation at a Chalong hotel where officers seized 1.2 grams of cocaine divided into six packets.

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According to Pol Lt Col Pitaya Thepmueang of the Phuket tourist police, the investigation began after authorities noticed drug-advertisement stickers appearing on power poles across tourist areas. The suspect had allegedly enrolled in a private educational institution to secure his student visa before using Telegram messaging app to connect with potential buyers through large chat groups.

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The case underscores an emerging pattern where foreign nationals misuse student visas to maintain legal status while engaging in illicit drug distribution. Police are examining possible connections to broader trafficking networks operating on the island, particularly those utilizing similar sticker-based advertising methods. Authorities have pledged to intensify operations against narcotics sales in tourist zones and are analyzing digital evidence from the suspect’s devices to identify additional participants in the distribution network.

-Thailand News (TN)