Two Canadian tourists were arrested on January 19 following a police pursuit through Patong and Karon districts that resulted in multiple vehicle collisions. The chase ended with the discovery of a significant quantity of illegal substances in their vehicle, prompting further investigation into possible links to recent deaths at a local music festival.
The incident began around 4:45 p.m. when Patong Police responded to reports of an altercation outside the Patong Condotel Hotel. The situation escalated as the suspects fled the scene in a black Ford pickup truck, heading towards Karon district. Their escape caused several accidents along the route. Police patrol units from Patong, with support from Karon Police, set up roadblocks to intercept the vehicle. By 5:10 p.m., the truck was stopped near the Big C Wat Karon on Patak Road.

The driver, who sustained injuries, was taken to Patong Hospital for medical treatment. His passenger, identified as Mr. Jared, 34, was detained for questioning. The vehicle was impounded at Karon Police Station, where officers conducted a thorough search, uncovering a substantial stash of illegal drugs. Among the seized items were 100 grams of a methamphetamine and cocaine mixture, 88 cocaine capsules, 50 Alprazolam tablets, 6 Lorazepam tablets, 14 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, and drug paraphernalia.
Investigators suspect the pair targeted foreign tourists attending the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) Thailand 2025, a major music festival in Phuket. Their arrests coincide with an investigation into two recent deaths at the event involving a Canadian national and a Vietnamese-American citizen. Authorities are awaiting toxicology reports to determine whether drugs played a role in these fatalities.
On January 20, senior officials held a strategic meeting at the Operation Center of Karon Provincial Police Station to discuss the ongoing investigation. The police have emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors amid heightened concerns over drug-related activities.