Russian man arrested in Thailand for drug smuggling

A Russian man living in Hua Hin received parcels with narcotic and illegal substances from abroad and transferred them to accomplices in Thailand.

A Russian citizen has been detained in the Thai resort town of Hua Hin on suspicion of involvement in international drug trafficking. The detention operation resulted from a lengthy investigation that began after discovering a suspicious package from Poland.

On June 24, Thai customs authorities intercepted a parcel containing 840 grams of a substance later identified as mephedrone. Mephedrone is a synthetic stimulant belonging to the first category of narcotic substances in Thailand. The drug has an excitatory effect on the nervous system and produces psychedelic effects similar to ecstasy (MDMA).

A Russian man has been arrested on drug charges. (Photo: Drug Enforcement Administration)

Police Lt. Gen. Panurat Lakboon, secretary-general of the Office of Narcotics Control Board of Thailand (ONCB), told the Bangkok Post that mephedrone was first discovered in the country five years ago. Mephedrone is believed to be used as an ingredient to produce a synthetic stimulant known as “bath salts.”

During further investigation, police identified the recipient of the package, a Russian citizen, who was detained while attempting to receive the package. During the search in the room of the arrested Russian citizen, various narcotic substances in small quantities were found:

14 grams of methamphetamine;
290 grams of MDMA;
149 ecstasy tablets;
67 brands of LSD;
506 grams of cocaine;
609 grams of ketamine;
300 grams of mephedrone.

According to the suspect, his task was to receive parcels of drugs from abroad and store them temporarily before sending them to the organizers of the criminal scheme. He was paid in cryptocurrency for his services.

Lt. Gen. Panurat noted that new types of drugs from the United States and European countries have recently started entering Thailand. Since 2021, cases of smuggling of candies containing narcotic substances as well as so-called “lucky water” – a cocktail of various banned drugs – have been recorded. Initially, these substances were discovered in Bangkok and Chonburi.

A parcel sent from Poland contains capsules containing mephedrone. (Photo: Office of the Narcotics Control Board)

This case illustrates the growing problem of international drug trafficking and the use of modern technology, such as cryptocurrencies, to organize criminal schemes. The Thai authorities continue to strengthen measures to combat drug trafficking and international cooperation in that area.