The key facts
- A 37-year-old Russian was detained in Phuket with 93.21 grams of methamphetamine.
- Police seized drugs both during the roadside detention and during a search of the rented house.
- The detainee faces life imprisonment under Thai drug laws.
Detention in Phuket
On Phuket island, police detained 37-year-old Russian citizen Alexei Bryukhanov on suspicion of drug possession with intent to sell. The incident occurred on November 2, when patrol officers spotted the man on the road leading to the Khao Lim San viewpoint; as their car approached, he threw away a bundle in which two packets of methamphetamine weighing 2.13 grams in total were found. After the detention, law enforcement officers searched the rented house in the Wichit district, where they found another 21 packets of a crystalline substance weighing 91.08 grams.
Profession and circumstances
According to sources, the detainee previously worked as a social psychologist at a private clinic in Krasnodar, and also worked as a fitness trainer and counseled people with addictions. The Russian arrived in Thailand in winter and continued his professional activities, conducting in-person and online training sessions. A phone inspection revealed information about alleged deals, and a urine test showed the presence of methamphetamine in his body. The detainee himself stated during questioning that the drugs found by the road did not belong to him; however, police charged him with illegal trafficking of Category 1 narcotics and substance use.
Legal consequences
A criminal case has been opened against Alexei Bryukhanov, and he has been charged with drug possession with intent to sell commercially and use of prohibited substances. Under Thai law, such crimes carry severe penalties, and the Russian faces life imprisonment. He is currently under arrest and has been handed over to investigators at the Karon police station for further proceedings.
