French national arrested after cocaine sachets found at Phuket airport
PHUKET: A 46-year-old French man has been arrested after airport security discovered multiple sachets of cocaine at Phuket International Airport.
Police were alerted at around 11pm on Thursday after 10 sachets of suspected narcotics were found on the floor of the domestic departure baggage screening area, according to Pol Lt Col Chamnarn Inthanon, investigation chief at Sakhu Police Station in Thalang district.
CCTV footage reviewed by officers showed the sachets falling from the suspect’s trousers while he was passing through the screening area. The man was later identified as Najib Aftat, a French national.
The seized drugs were confirmed to be cocaine, a category 2 narcotic, packaged in press-seal sachets with a combined weight of 7.55 grammes. During questioning, Mr Aftat admitted the drugs belonged to him.
Further interrogation led police to the suspect’s apartment in Moo 3, tambon Wichit, Muang district, where he acknowledged storing additional illegal substances. A subsequent search uncovered more narcotics.
Officers seized category 1 drugs, including 13 press-seal sachets containing pink powder weighing a total of 6.79 grammes, as well as nine sachets holding 44 ecstasy tablets.
Mr Aftat has been charged with possession of narcotics for sale and personal use in violation of Thai law. He remains in police custody as legal proceedings continue.