KOH SAMUI — Authorities arrested an Israeli man and his Thai wife at their “Snoopy Samui” cannabis shop after an undercover operation revealed they were secretly selling magic mushrooms, a Category 5 narcotic.
Local authorities in Koh Samui, in coordination with the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 and Bo Phut Police Station officers, raided a cannabis shop named “Snoopy Samui” in Moo 2, Bo Phut sub-district on May 14, following a tip from a concerned citizen that the establishment was secretly selling magic mushrooms (a Category 5 narcotic) to tourists and the general public.
Undercover officers conducted a sting operation, purchasing magic mushrooms from the shop with marked 1,000 baht banknotes that had been photocopied as evidence. During surveillance, officers observed a Thai woman and a foreigner standing behind the counter. The undercover agent successfully bought one bag of magic mushrooms for 800 baht.
After the transaction was completed, authorities identified themselves and arrested the couple: Mr. Ben, 29, an Israeli national, and Ms. Bualoei, 39, a Thai citizen. A search of the premises uncovered additional Category 5 narcotics (magic mushrooms) including one bag weighing 2.32 grams, another bag weighing 58 grams, and two containers weighing 247 grams and 173 grams respectively. All items were seized as evidence.
The pair has been charged with possession of Category 5 narcotics (magic mushrooms) with intent to sell and illegal distribution. They were transferred to Bo Phut Police Station for legal proceedings. If convicted, they face penalties of up to 2 years imprisonment, a fine not exceeding 40,000 baht, or both.
Magic mushrooms, also known as “shrooms,” are fungi containing psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound. When consumed, psilocybin is converted in the body to psilocin, which produces the psychoactive effects.
Source: Khaosod English