Russian Nabbed With 17kg Cannabis At Phuket Airport
A Russian man was arrested at Phuket Airport with 17kg of cannabis hidden in his luggage while attempting to depart Thailand on July 8, 2026.
PHUKET — A 30-year-old Russian national identified as Chalabari was arrested at Phuket International Airport on July 8, 2026, after customs officers discovered over 17 kilograms of cannabis concealed in his luggage during departure procedures.
The arrest occurred around 10:00 AM at the international departures terminal in Mai Khao subdistrict, Thalang district. Customs inspectors searching two blue BP WORLD suitcases belonging to the suspect found 35 vacuum-sealed packages of cannabis flower totaling 11.4 kilograms and 12 packages of cannabis resin weighing 6.2 kilograms.
During questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted ownership of both the luggage and the seized items. He was charged with attempting to illegally export goods from Thailand without completing proper customs procedures. The suspect was transferred to Sakhu Police Station for further legal proceedings, with officers from Sakhu Police Station and Phuket Airport Customs jointly conducting the operation under supervision of senior officials.
