Labubu-shaped combination pills seized in Koh Phangan

Four men were arrested on Koh Phangan after Thai tourist police raided a luxury villa following complaints from local residents about a loud party and suspicious activity.

According to Thai PBS World, residents alerted authorities to loud music and frequent visits by unfamiliar foreigners to the property. Tourist police obtained a search warrant and carried out the raid late Friday night (January 23) into early Saturday (January 24).

Police found four Israeli men aged between 27 and 29 inside the villa; some attempted to flee but were quickly apprehended.

Officers discovered several illegal substances scattered around the house, including cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), and combination pills shaped like the Labubu toy character.

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In April last year, Thailand's Ramathibodi Poison Centre issued a warning of a Labubu drug outbreak which circulated during Songkran.

According to Bangkok Post, Koh Phangan district chief Paisit Thongcherm mentioned that the pills contained high concentrations of MDMA mixed with other substances such as ketamine, cocaine and caffeine. Authorities warned that such combinations significantly increase the risk of overdose and sudden cardiac arrest.

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Police allege that the four men organised the party for foreign tourists; they were charged with possession and use of Category 1 and 2 narcotics, and in some reports, trafficking-related offences.

All four were taken to the Koh Phangan police station for legal proceedings. Authorities said their visas would be revoked, and they would be deported and blacklisted from re-entering Thailand.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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