Phuket-
Thai immigration police and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) have arrested a South Korean national wanted under an Interpol Red Notice for fraud and transnational drug trafficking. The suspect, identified only as Mr. Lee, had overstayed his visa in Thailand for nearly 3,000 days while allegedly running a criminal network exporting narcotics and cannabis from Thailand to South Korea.
Authorities have intensified efforts to crack down on foreign fugitives hiding in Thailand, particularly those involved in cross-border crime.
Investigators from Immigration Division 6, working with ONCB officials and South Korean police intelligence, tracked Mr. Lee to a luxury condominium in Phuket. He was wanted under Interpol Red Notice No. A-8537/8-2018, issued on August 13th, 2018, for fraud and illegal drug import-export.
Authorities revealed that since early 2018, Mr. Lee and his associates defrauded victims of approximately 800 million won (about 20 million baht) and led a syndicate smuggling narcotics and cannabis from Thailand into South Korea. The drugs were allegedly distributed through online platforms to domestic dealers. Mr. Lee also had a criminal history linked to prostitution, assault, and fraud, with more than 23 cases recorded.
On August 12th, 2026, officers raided the condominium and confirmed his identity using biometric records. Mr. Lee admitted he was the subject of the Red Notice. Police seized mobile phones and debit cards believed to be linked to his criminal activities.
He was charged with overstaying his visa by 2,992 days and handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings. Thai authorities are coordinating with South Korean counterparts to expand the investigation and pursue extradition.
