Saudi Tourist Arrested in Phuket Drug Bust During Police Crackdown

A Saudi Arabian national was arrested in Phuket on July 22 after police allegedly discovered methamphetamine and cocaine during an anti-drug operation in Patong.

The arrest was carried out as part of Operation 90 Days, an ongoing campaign led by Patong Police to combat drug-related crime.

According to police, officers detained the suspect in the parking area outside a hotel in Patong, Kathu district. A subsequent search of his accommodation resulted in the seizure of additional evidence.

Authorities reported confiscating about 4.04 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 1.70 grams of cocaine, a digital weighing scale, and a mobile phone.

The suspect has been charged with possessing a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine) with intent to sell without authorization, as well as possessing a Category 2 narcotic (cocaine) without permission.

Both the suspect and the seized items were transferred to investigators at Patong Police Station for further legal action.

Under Thailand's Narcotics Code, the alleged offences carry severe penalties. Possession of a Category 1 drug with intent to distribute is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to 1.5 million baht, while unauthorized possession of a Category 2 narcotic can result in up to 10 years' imprisonment and a fine of up to 1 million baht.

The arrest follows a series of recent drug-related cases involving foreign nationals in Phuket. In May, Nigerian and Belgian citizens were detained after police allegedly found cocaine during an operation targeting suspected foreign drug dealers in Patong. Both men were also accused of overstaying their visas.

Earlier this year, in February, authorities arrested four foreign suspects and seized more than 3.1 kilograms of cocaine during an investigation into a suspected international drug trafficking network operating in Phuket.