KOH PHANGAN, Thailand — A 37-year-old Russian national, known locally as “DJ Vigen,” has been arrested by tourist police on Koh Phangan after authorities uncovered his use of an AI-powered system to distribute narcotics to tourists.
The arrest occurred on June 7 at Hua Thian Pier in Tambon Ban Tai following an undercover sting operation. According to police, Vigen attempted to flee and discard evidence when he realized he was meeting undercover officers. The drugs were recovered from nearby rocks shortly after.
Seized Evidence and Charges
Police seized 2.20 grams of cocaine, 1.12 grams of MDMA (brown tablets in zip-lock bags), ketamine, electronic cigarettes, and 13,000 baht in cash used in the operation. Vigen faces several charges including:
- Possession of Category 1 and Category 2 narcotics for distribution
- Unauthorized sale of cocaine and other controlled substances
- Concealing and selling imported goods (e-cigarettes) without customs clearance
AI-Enabled Drug Transactions
During interrogation, Vigen admitted to operating an AI-automated sales system through the Telegram messaging app. The system enabled buyers to:
- Select a drug type
- Choose delivery coordinates (Phuket, Samui, Phangan, Krabi, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chonburi, or Pattaya)
- Pay through digital currencies
- Receive exact coordinates and a photo of where the drugs were hidden
Authorities say the use of AI and automated systems allowed Vigen to run a discreet and efficient drug distribution network across multiple tourist hubs in Thailand.
From Party DJ to Drug Dealer
Vigen told investigators he turned to drug dealing after losing work as a party DJ. His reputation on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui helped him build a trusted network among tourists and locals alike.
Rising Concern Over Tech-Driven Drug Networks
Thai police warn that this case highlights an emerging trend: traffickers using advanced technology to target foreign tourists. The combination of AI, encrypted apps, and cryptocurrency poses significant challenges for law enforcement.
Authorities are now expanding their investigation to track the full extent of the network and identify potential accomplices or customers involved in similar operations across Thailand’s tourist hotspots.
