Phuket –
Thai immigration authorities have arrested a 22-year-old French national believed to be a key member of an international drug trafficking syndicate. Identified only as Mr. Bachir, the suspect was apprehended after reportedly fleeing law enforcement in France and seeking refuge in the tropical hideaway of Phuket.
Phuket Immigration told the Phuket Express on Friday (July 25th) that the arrest followed close work between Thailand’s Immigration Bureau, the Royal Thai Police, and the French Embassy. Authorities in France had issued a warrant for Mr. Bachir on charges of possessing illegal narcotics and trafficking without authorization. Intelligence indicated that he had entered Thailand covertly and was staying on the island of Phuket to evade capture.
Thai immigration officers launched a surveillance operation that eventually led to the suspect’s arrest. Upon questioning, Mr. Bachir confessed to serving as a courier—smuggling narcotics and distributing them to customers in France.
Mr. Bachir is currently in custody, pending extradition proceedings in coordination with French officials.
