CHIANG MAI — Thai police have arrested a vendor for selling psilocybin mushrooms that led to the death of a 25-year-old British tourist in Chiang Mai Province.
Police Major General Worapong Khamlue led a joint operation with tourist police and health officials, deploying an undercover foreign agent on December 23 to purchase mushrooms from a shop near Tha Pae Gate, a popular tourist landmark.
The operation resulted in the arrest of the shop owner, identified only as Ms. Ploy, and the seizure of several kilograms of psilocybin mushrooms.
Investigation revealed that the deceased tourist, identified as Mr. V, purchased the mushrooms after photographing the landmark with his girlfriend on December 20. The man collapsed and died at a luxury resort in Mae Rim district approximately 40 minutes after consuming the illegal substance.
The Thailand Food and Drug Administration classifies psilocybin mushrooms as a Category 5 narcotic substance, known for causing severe neurological effects including hallucinations, disorientation, and in this case, fatal reactions.
The raid occurred on December 23, following reports from the victim’s family questioning the cause of death. Each bag of mushrooms was being sold for 500 baht, highlighting ongoing concerns about illegal drug sales in tourist areas.
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