PHUKET — 3 June 2026, A Saudi Arabian man was arrested at Phuket International Airport after allegedly attempting to smuggle ketamine out of Thailand by concealing capsules inside his underwear.
Customs officers stationed at Phuket International Airport, working with police, arrested the suspect at approximately 20:00 in the international departures terminal in Mai Khao, Thalang district.
The suspect was identified as a 28-year-old Saudi national.
Authorities seized 63 red-and-white capsules containing a white powder, with a total weight of approximately 32 grams, suspected to be ketamine. The capsules had been hidden inside the suspect’s underwear. Two iPhones were also confiscated.
According to investigators, the suspect had checked in for an Etihad Airways flight and deposited two pieces of luggage before passing through immigration and entering the international departure screening area.
While passing through a body scanner, officers detected an anomaly and conducted a more thorough search. They subsequently discovered the capsules concealed in a white cloth bag inside the suspect’s underwear.
Preliminary testing of the powder using an ONCB053 Ketamine Reagent produced a light purple reaction, indicating the substance was ketamine, a Category 2 narcotic under Thai law.
The suspect was charged with attempting to export a Category 2 narcotic (ketamine) without permission and unlawful possession of a Category 2 narcotic. He also faces charges under the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017).
The suspect and seized evidence were handed over to investigators at Sakhu Police Station for legal proceedings.
Pol. Col. Salan Santisatsanakul, superintendent of Sakhu Police Station, said authorities continue to maintain strict screening measures at airports to prevent Thailand from being used as a transit route for international drug trafficking.
Police said the investigation is ongoing to determine whether the suspect is linked to a wider trafficking network.
