Russian DJ arrested on Koh Phangan for alleged AI-run drug sales

2026-03-09 - 05:13

SURAT THANI — Tourist police on Koh Phangan have arrested a Russian national accused of selling drugs to tourists through an automated system on the Telegram messaging app that directed buyers to GPS locations where narcotics were buried. The arrest was made on 9 March after officers, acting on intelligence, intercepted a red sedan near Hua Thian Pier in Ban Tai subdistrict. The driver, identified as Anton Petukhov, 41, reportedly appeared intoxicated and admitted to using cocaine. Police later searched his residence and seized 115.69 grams of cocaine, 11.37 grams of ketamine, 4.42 grams of MDMA crystals and five MDMA tablets. Investigators said Petukhov worked as a DJ at entertainment venues as a cover while operating the drug trade. Orders were allegedly handled via Telegram using automated AI responses. Buyers selected drugs, paid by credit card and received GPS coordinates to dig up the drugs hidden at various locations. Police also found a new type of pill known as “2CB”, nicknamed “wolf head” or “skull” due to its colourful shapes designed to attract partygoers. Authorities warned the polydrug mixture — containing MDMA, ketamine, cocaine and caffeine — can cause respiratory failure or death. Petukhov faces charges including possession and distribution of Category 1 narcotics (MDMA), distribution of Category 2 narcotics (cocaine), distribution of psychotropic substances (ketamine) and illegal drug use. He has been handed over to investigators at Koh Phangan Police Station while police expand the probe.