Two Foreign Drug Suspects Arrested in Patong After Long Visa Overstays

Police in Patong have arrested two foreign nationals accused of cocaine distribution during an undercover anti-drug operation targeting illegal narcotics activity in the popular tourist district.

According to Phuket Tourist Police, investigators carried out surveillance before organizing a sting operation that led to the arrests of a Nigerian man identified as Samuel and a Belgian man named Bruno. Both men were also found to have significantly overstayed their visas in Thailand.

Samuel was detained near a clothing store on Phra Metta Road. Officers reportedly discovered six packets of cocaine with a combined weight of around 10.45 grams in his possession. Authorities later confirmed that he had remained in Thailand illegally for 550 days beyond his permitted stay.

Bruno was arrested outside a convenience store on Rat-U-Thit 200 Years Road. Police said they recovered approximately 2.90 grams of cocaine, including drugs allegedly sold during the undercover operation and additional quantities concealed on him. Investigators stated that the Belgian national had overstayed his visa by 762 days.

Both suspects now face charges related to possession and distribution of a Category 2 narcotic, as well as immigration violations for overstaying their visas. They were transferred to Patong Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Officials said the operation reflects continuing efforts to combat drug-related crime in Phuket and maintain the island’s reputation as a safe international tourism destination.