French man arrested for selling cocaine and ecstasy on Koh Phangan paradise island

Surat Thani police officers and the Pa Cha Da Special Operation Unit jointly arrested Mr. Ilan, age 41 years, French nationality at the bar of a hotel in Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province on April 23.

The evidence used in the arrest included 19.7 grammes of cocaine, 23 ecstasy pills, a digital scale, 6,000 baht in cash, and a waist bag. Some of the evidence was recovered from the suspect’s leased house in Village No. 1, Subdistrict Ban Tai, Koh Phangan.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Sermphan Sirikong, commander of Surat Thani Provincial Police, stated that police at Koh Phangan Police Station charged Mr. Ilan with distributing Class 1 narcotic drugs (ecstasy) without permission, an act of trade that spreads among the people, and selling Category 2 narcotics (cocaine) without permission, another act of trade that spreads among the people.

According to the Narcotics Code and the Act Promulgating the Narcotics Code, B.E. 2564 (2021), any individual who produces, imports, exports, distributes, or possesses category 1 narcotics without permission faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of 1,500,000 baht.

Whoever produces, imports, exports, sells, or possesses Category 2 narcotics without permission faces imprisonment for one to fifteen years and a fine of 100,000 to 1,500,000 baht.

Police officers have been urged to adhere to tourism regulations, or quick-win, according to the policy of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, to maintain the safety of life, and property for tourists.

In addition, the deputy commander of Provincial Police Region 8, Pol. Maj. Gen. Saranyu Chamnanrat, has ordered the establishment of a rapid mobile team, the “Pa Cha Da Special Operation Unit,” to inspect entertainment venues, hotels, service establishments, risky spots, and precarious spots in order to prevent and suppress crimes that have an impact on the people.

Read the full story at Khaosodenglish – French Man Caught Selling Drugs to Koh Phangan Tourists which was brought to us by Google Alerts.

Photo credit @ Khaosodenglish