Thai authorities have arrested a 36-year-old Israeli national on Koh Samui island, suspected of being a major drug trafficker wanted by his country's justice system.
The immigration services of Surat Thani province, in coordination with the 2nd division of the border police, carried out the arrest of Tal Senior, a 36-year-old Israeli. The operation took place in a luxury condominium located in Chaweng, on the island of Koh Samui.
According to Police Major General Phanumart Boonyalak, commander of the Immigration Office, the arrest follows a request for cooperation sent by the Israeli police attaché in Bangkok. Tal Senior was the subject of numerous arrest warrants in Israel for drug trafficking and was considered a key member of a criminal network.
During the search of his room, investigators discovered cocaine, MDMA and powdered methamphetamine, as well as a precision scale. The substances, packaged in transparent bags, were hidden in the kitchen.
Questioned on site, Tal Senior claimed to have bought these products at a party on the island of Koh Phangan for his personal consumption. However, Thai authorities indicated that they did not accept this version and were continuing investigations into the origin of the narcotics.
The suspect, who entered Thailand illegally after fleeing several countries, will have his residence permit revoked. Once local judicial procedures are completed, he will be deported to Israel and placed on the list of persons banned from entering Thai territory.