PHUKET — 8 July 2026, A 30-year-old Russian man was arrested at Phuket International Airport after authorities seized more than 17 kilograms of cannabis flower and resin concealed in his luggage as he prepared to leave Thailand.
The arrest took place at around 10:00 in the international departures terminal at Phuket International Airport in Mai Khao subdistrict, Thalang district.
Customs officers from Phuket Airport inspected two blue BP WORLD suitcases belonging to Chalabari, a 30-year-old Russian national.
A search uncovered 35 vacuum-sealed packages of cannabis flower weighing a combined 11.4 kilograms, along with 12 packages of cannabis resin weighing 6.2 kilograms, hidden inside the two suitcases. The luggage was seized as evidence.
During initial questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted ownership of both the luggage and the seized items.
Authorities charged him with attempting to illegally export goods from the Kingdom without completing customs procedures. He was handed over, along with the seized evidence, to investigators at Sakhu Police Station for legal proceedings.
The operation was conducted jointly by officers from Sakhu Police Station and Phuket Airport Customs under the supervision of senior police and customs officials. The suspect was formally transferred to investigators for further legal action.
