Travel Mishap: French Tourist Drops Cocaine in Front of Phuket Airport Officer

PHUKET — A French tourist has been arrested after cocaine was discovered at Phuket International Airport, according to local police. Sakhu police were notified by airport security officers on February 5, 2026, after finding 10 small bags of white powder, later confirmed as cocaine, in the domestic departure baggage screening area. The total cocaine weight was 7.55 grams. The suspect was identified as Najib Aftat, a 46-year-old French national. CCTV footage captured the drugs falling from his trousers, and during questioning, Aftat admitted the cocaine belonged to him. During further investigation, the suspect revealed he had additional drugs in his Wichit subdistrict apartment. Police subsequently searched the room and seized 13 bags of pink powder ecstasy weighing 6.79 grams, along with nine bags containing 44 pink ecstasy tablets. Aftat has been charged with possession of category 2 narcotics (cocaine) for sale, possession of category 1 narcotics (ecstasy) for sale, use of category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine), and use of category 2 narcotics (ketamine). He was taken into custody to face legal proceedings.