On the island of Koh Phangan, tourist police pursued and apprehended a 41-year-old Russian DJ who used an AI-automated system on Telegram to sell cocaine, ketamine, and ecstasy to tourists, as part of a major operation against foreign traffickers disguised as party animators.
On 9 March 2026, under the direction of the National Tourist Police Commander, Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Phiakam, Tourist Police units intensified their operations on Koh Phangan (Surat Thani province) to counter the behaviour of foreign nationals harming the country’s tourist image.
A team led by Pol. Lt. Col. Winich Boonchit, from section 5 of group 2, tourist brigade 3, received reliable intelligence indicating that a foreigner was engaged in major drug trafficking targeting tourists. The suspect was using a red Toyota Yaris Ativ registered in Phuket.
After discreet surveillance, the police observed the vehicle leaving the alley at high speed, zigzagging heavily – a probable sign of recent drug consumption. A chase ensued to the Hua Thian pier, moo 1, tambon Ban Tai. The officers then made the arrest.
The suspect identified himself as Anton Petukhov, 41 years old, Russian national. He immediately admitted to consuming cocaine just before leaving his home. A search was then carried out at his residence.
The authorities discovered a large quantity of drugs ready for sale: 109.06 g and 6.63 g of cocaine, 1.67 g and 9.70 g of ketamine, 4.42 g of ecstasy in crystal form as well as 5 ecstasy pills.
« I ordered via Telegram on the “TDS24” account. It’s a system with AI that responds automatically. You choose the type of drug, pay by credit card, then the AI sends the GPS coordinates. You just go to the indicated point and dig up the package hidden in the ground. »
Anton Petukhov admitted to officially working as a DJ in the island’s bars and parties, a role that allowed him to easily approach tourists and offer them drugs during nightlife events. He confessed to using this high-tech ploy to limit direct contacts and evade checks.
He was charged with: trafficking in category 2 narcotics (cocaine) and category 1 (MDMA/ecstasy) for sale and distribution; trafficking in category 2 psychotropic substances (ketamine); possession of category 1 narcotics; consumption of category 2 narcotics. He was remanded in custody and the evidence transferred to the Koh Phangan police station for prosecution.
According to Pol. Lt. Col. Winich Boonchit, this arrest represents a major blow against a significant network on the island. Many foreign dealers pose as DJs or full moon party animators to sell their products to tourists. The investigation continues to dismantle the transnational network behind this AI-automated supply system.