Samui police have arrested two Lebanese men who were running a drug operation in a restaurant and also providing illegal medical services, including acupuncture.

On Koh Samui in Surat Thani province, Thai immigration police detained two Lebanese nationals on suspicion of organizing drug trafficking under the guise of a restaurant and illegally providing medical services. The operation, conducted at the Buffalo Jungle restaurant in the Maret district, uncovered a significant amount of drugs and equipment for traditional Chinese medicine.

Police Colonel Naruewat Phutthawiro, head of the Surat Thani immigration police, said the raid was carried out on Saturday based on a warrant issued by the Koh Samui Provincial Court. The operation involved immigration police, tourist police, local police, and public health officials. The suspects were identified as Ehab Awala, 38, and Chadi Raydan, 28.

A search of the establishment’s bedroom turned up a large quantity of drugs, including ecstasy, methamphetamine, ketamine, cocaine, and psilocybin mushrooms. Acupuncture needles, cupping kits, and other equipment used in traditional Chinese medicine were also found.

Neither of the men was licensed to practice medicine in Thailand, police said. Both face multiple drug-related charges, including possession of category 1 (ecstasy, methamphetamine), category 2 (ketamine, cocaine), and category 5 (psilocybin mushrooms). Ehab Awala also faces charges of violating the Medical Profession Act for practicing traditional Chinese medicine without a license.

According to investigators, the restaurant was registered as a company with three Thai shareholders and Ehab Awala. However, police believe the Thai shareholders were not actually involved in running the business and may have acted as nominee shareholders. Police also found that Ehab Awala served in the Lebanese army before moving to Thailand.

Further investigation is aimed at identifying possible links between the detainees and other criminal groups and establishing drug supply channels. Law enforcement agencies in Thailand pay special attention to combating illegal activities of foreigners in the country, especially in tourist areas. Raids are regularly conducted to identify violations of immigration laws, illicit businesses, and other crimes. Such measures are aimed at ensuring the safety of tourists and maintaining order in the country.

In recent years, Thailand has seen a rise in the popularity of traditional Chinese medicine, attracting both qualified practitioners and those engaged in illegal medical activities. As a result, authorities have tightened controls on medical institutions and practitioners, especially among foreigners. Violating the Medical Profession Act in Thailand entails heavy fines and deportation from the country.

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