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Saturday, February 14, 2026
From the Liveblog of
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Israeli arrested for allegedly running major drug-dealing op from restaurant in Thailand – report
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In this July 5, 2020, file photo, fishing vessels and boats used to ferry tourists sit idle along a deserted beach on the popular tourist island of Koh Phangan, Thailand. (AP Photo/Adam Schreck)
An Israeli man has been arrested on suspicion of running a major drug dealing operation out of his restaurant on the Thai island of Koh Phangan, the Bangkok Post reports.
The report says police arrested Shay Alfasi, 42, and seized drugs worth over 50 million baht (approximately $1.6 million).
Alfasi, who owns the Lola bar and restaurant in the Hat Hin Kong area, allegedly sold drugs via Whatsapp.
The report says Alfasi was arrested in an undercover sting operation by police.
According to the Bangkok Post, the arrest comes amid an ongoing operation against drug dealers on the island, with Alfasi was considered to be the biggest figure detained so far.
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