International Drug Kingpin Arrested in Phuket as Police Bust Global Syndicate

Thai authorities have dismantled a major international drug network, arresting a South Korean suspect believed to be a key figure in the operation during a raid in Phuket.

The arrest was carried out by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) in cooperation with Immigration Police. The suspect, identified only as Mr. Kim, had been wanted under an INTERPOL Red Notice and had reportedly evaded capture for more than two years.

The operation followed intelligence provided by leading South Korean agencies, including the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office (SPO), and the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA). Investigators determined that the suspect had entered Thailand illegally in December 2023 and had been hiding in a luxury villa.

A coordinated task force involving multiple Thai law enforcement units conducted the raid, arresting Mr. Kim along with several associates.

Drugs and equipment seized

During the operation, officers confiscated:

• 300 grams of ketamine

• 100 grams of crystal methamphetamine (ice)

• Computers and vacuum-sealing equipment

• Drug-related paraphernalia

• Various luxury branded items

Authorities revealed that the suspect used Thailand as a base to coordinate drug trafficking operations. He allegedly managed a Telegram group called “Mugwajang,” where couriers were recruited and sent to collect narcotics in locations such as Phuket and Pattaya.

The couriers were reportedly flown into Thailand, instructed to retrieve drugs, and then smuggle them back to South Korea using sophisticated concealment methods. Investigators estimate that the network recently trafficked more than 2 kilograms of methamphetamine and 1.6 kilograms of ketamine.

The syndicate’s activities were also linked to an online investigation by the YouTube channel Crimenet, which identified a Telegram account named “Villian” as belonging to the suspect. Voice analysis conducted after the arrest confirmed this connection.

Notably, the Telegram group ceased operations immediately following Mr. Kim’s detention.

Charges and ongoing investigation

The suspect now faces several charges in Thailand, including:

• Illegal possession of Category 1 and 2 narcotics

• Use of methamphetamine

• Immigration violations, including overstaying his visa by 733 days

Thai and South Korean authorities have stated they will continue working together to dismantle the remaining elements of the network and pursue financial assets linked to the operation.