Raid in Phuket: Russian drug trafficking group caught!

Raid in Phuket: Russian drug trafficking group caught!

A recent drug case is causing a stir in Phuket and is casting dark shadows on the image of the popular holiday island. On January 12, 2026, local authorities conducted a search at a rental home in Rawai Township and recovered 140 bags of psilocybin mushrooms, also known as dung house sponges. The total amount of these illegal substances was approximately 10 kg. Two Russian citizens, Rinat and Aleksandr, were arrested, while a third person, Landysh, managed to escape. These arrests are related to complaints about a Russian group that illegally sells psilocybin mushrooms and poses as stress management experts. International tourists report exhilarating experiences, increasing concerns about the impact on tourism image. Links are even being made to upcoming music festivals in Phuket, which could be affected as consumption of such substances is seen in increasing numbers. Today reports that Region 8 Criminal Investigation and Immigration Services are behind this arrest.

The investigation is in full swing after initial complaints about the illegal sale of the mushrooms were received. This incident has attracted the attention of the local investigative agency. The two men arrested now have to answer for possession of category 5 narcotics, specifically for selling them without a permit. However, as previously mentioned, a female suspect escaped. The investigators assume that the group also had international guests as customers.

Health risk and tourism

As the reports further show, the group not only sold the mushrooms but also offered treatments for them, posing as experts. This not only poses a health risk to consumers, but could also jeopardize Phuket's reputation as a safe holiday destination. Many tourists are looking for new experiences and are often reluctant to take advantage of such offers. News1Live highlights that the group's sales are closely linked to the upcoming onslaught of music festivals, which are often a magnet for revelers.

Authorities want to take increased action against drug trafficking, which is important not only for Phuket, but also for other cities such as Chiang Mai, where a similar incident took place in January 2025, when a 59-year-old foreigner was suspected of illegally selling psilocybin mushrooms. 15 bottles of honey containing these illegal substances were confiscated. Weekly flash reports on the ongoing measures taken by the Thai authorities to combat drug-related crimes and the importance of preventative steps to avoid similar cases in the future.

Phuket remains in the focus of the authorities, who are now not only keeping an eye on those arrested, but also on the unclear situation surrounding the fugitive suspect. But one thing is clear: the island needs to better protect itself against such criminal transactions in order to maintain its charming reputation as a safe holiday destination.