Russian Arrested Over Deadly ‘Labubu’ Drug Mix

2026-02-26 - 09:54

KOH PHANGAN — 26 February 2026, Thai tourist police have arrested a Russian man accused of possessing a new “cocktail” form of ecstasy designed to mimic a popular art toy, warning that the potent mix could prove fatal. Pol. Lt. Col. Winit Boonchit of Tourist Police Division 5 said officers raided a rented house on Koh Phangan at about 21:00 on 25 February after the suspect was seen driving at high speed in a residential area of Surat Thani province. The man was identified by his passport as Evgenii, 33, a Russian national. Officers initially issued a warning, but said he appeared visibly agitated, speaking incoherently and showing physical symptoms including sweating and trembling. He later admitted there were illegal substances inside the house. A search uncovered several narcotics laid out on a table in front of a bathroom, including 1.63 grammes of white powdered ketamine, 1.18 grammes of blue powdered ecstasy mixed with ketamine, one bag of brown MDMA crystals, and three ecstasy tablets pressed into triangular skull shapes and a design known as “Labubu”, referred to in slang by users as “candy”. Police warned that the “candy”-style pills contain a mixture of MDMA, ketamine, cocaine, and caffeine. The high concentration and combined effects make the drug far more potent than usual, posing a risk of shock and sudden death. During questioning, the suspect confessed to all charges and admitted taking ecstasy two days earlier, police said. He was charged with illegal possession of a Category 1 narcotic (ecstasy and MDMA) and illegal possession of a Category 2 psychotropic substance (ketamine). He was handed over to investigators at Koh Phangan Police Station for legal proceedings. Tourist Police Bureau commissioner Lt. Gen. Saksira Phueak-am has orderered tourist police stations in designated pilot areas to intensify a crackdown on crimes involving foreign nationals to ensure safety and maintain a positive image during the peak tourist season.