Russian Man Arrested at Phuket Checkpoint with Large Drug Haul Including Ice, Heroin, Ecstasy, and Ketamine
Russian man arrested at Phuket checkpoint with over 1.8 kilograms of narcotics including ice, heroin, ecstasy, and ketamine hidden in a bus seat pocket on May 18.
On May 18, 2569, police at the Phuket security checkpoint arrested 29-year-old Russian national Mr. Gorskii Matvei when he arrived on a Phuket-Pattaya passenger bus. Officers noticed his suspicious behavior and nervous demeanor; he attempted to kick a bag underneath his seat when approached for routine ID inspection. Unable to produce a valid passport, he consented to a search, revealing a backpack containing: 564.74 grams of crystal methamphetamine (ice), 471.92 grams of mephedrone, 129.8 grams of heroin, 51 grams of ecstasy, 54.6 grams of amphetamine, 582 grams of ketamine, two mobile phones, one Macbook, and 11,320 baht in cash.
The arrest was led by officers from Tha Chatchai Police Station under the command of Phuket Provincial Police leadership. The suspect faces charges of possessing Class 1 narcotics with intent to distribute without authorization. Background checks revealed that Matvei had overstayed in Thailand with an expired visa (expiration date June 15, 2568) and had made multiple border crossings through Chachoengsao and Nong Khai provinces.
