KOH PHANGAN — Police on Koh Phangan have arrested three foreign nationals in separate cases involving drug possession and immigration violations, authorities said Wednesday.
At midday on November 5, officers raided a rented house in Moo 1 after residents reported suspected drug activity. Police, disguised as joggers, conducted surveillance before moving in.
Inside, two men — identified only as Roman, 26, a Russian national, and Hugo, 28, from France — were found sitting at a table with white powder later confirmed to be cocaine. Both attempted to flee but were detained.
Police seized 3.14 grams of cocaine and an ecstasy test kit. Roman was charged with possession of cocaine, while Hugo was charged with use of the drug. The men and evidence were taken to Koh Phangan Police Station for legal proceedings.
In a separate incident, immigration police arrested Yegor, 34, a Ukrainian national, near Phantip Market in Ban Thong Sala for overstaying his visa by 326 days.
Officials said Yegor entered Thailand via Satun province in October 2024 and last extended his stay until December 13 that year. He admitted to remaining in the country illegally and faces prosecution under Thailand’s immigration law.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify the source of the drugs found in the first case.
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