A Russian working as a DJ on Koh Phangan has been arrested on a charge of selling drugs to foreign tourists after buying them on the Telegram messaging application.
Police received reports that a foreign man living in Soi Bo Khaya in Koh Phangan had been selling a variety of drugs to tourists.
The suspect allegedly used a red Toyota Yaris Ativ to distribute the drugs.
Officers spotted the car leaving the soi at high speed and followed it all the way to Hua Thian Pier in Ban Tai, where they stopped the car and made a search.
The suspect was identified as Anton Petukhov, 41, a Russian who allegedly admitted to having used cocaine before leaving his home.
A search of Petukhov’s home uncovered a stash of a variety of drugs.
During questioning, Petukhov allegedly said he worked as a DJ at events around Koh Phangan, using it as a cover to sell drugs to tourists.
He allegedly told police he purchased the drugs from a Telegram account.
Petukhov allegedly admitted ordering drugs through the platform multiple times, normally in quantities of 500 grammes per purchase. Police said working as a DJ is a common cover for selling drugs on Koh Phangan, at party venues popular with tourists.
