Moment Brit flails on floor after ‘cocaine fell from...

THIS is the moment a Brit flails around on the floor after cocaine allegedly fell out of his pocket in full view of airport customs. The suspected smuggler, Marc Patrick Wharton, was filmed flailing on the floor and shouting as he realised he could face life in a hellish Thai prison.

Image Credit: The Sun [Man lying on airport floor after allegedly dropping cocaine.]

On February 18, the 42-year-old had flown from Shanghai, China, to the island of Phuket in Thailand when he was pulled aside by security officers. He then launched into a fit of rage, which saw him rampage around the area and roll on the ground. Wharton's apparent attempt to distract officers failed when 4.11 grams of cocaine allegedly fell out of his pocket.

Image Credit: The Sun [Man lying on the floor during a tantrum at an airport.]

Despite the failure of his ploy, he continued flailing and rolling on the ground, allegedly spreading the white powder across the floor. A video taken of the incident showed the Brit on his back weakly pummelling his chest with his hands while begging for help.

Image Credit: The Sun [Cocaine spilled on the floor during a security check.]

With the punishment for cocaine possession in Thailand being 20 years to life, Wharton had a lot to scream about. During the tantrum he kicked his legs into the air and shouted, supposedly panicking he was going to die. Thai cops eventually arrested him and took him into custody while seizing the split plastic bag and its contents.

Cops at the international airport have since said that they tested the powder that Wharton allegedly dropped and confirmed it was the Class A drug. According to officials, the Brit had arrived at the airport on a Juneyao Air flight HO 1323 from Shanghai without alerting suspicion.

Image Credit: The Sun [Airport security officers subduing a man on the floor.]

Police Major Akkarapon Akkraphon, immigration checkpoint inspector at the airport, said: "We charged the tourist with importing a Category II narcotic into the country and illegally possessing it.". "He was handed over to the inquiry officer of the Sakhu Police Station for legal action.".

Image Credit: The Sun [4.11 grams of cocaine on a scale.]

Under Thai law, cocaine is a category 2 narcotic that can be punished with a life sentence and a fine. The fines can range from 2,000,000 to 5,000,000 Baht (between £47,151 and £117,878). But tourists are often able to negotiate their jail sentences with the authorities who do not want to pay for the cost of keeping them there.

It comes months after another British tourist, Jamie Louis Swain from Enfield, north London, was arrested in Phuket last May. The 29-year-old was detained after the immigration desk allegedly found cocaine tucked inside his passport. Officers said that Jamie reacted with surprise, swearing and shaking, prompting authorities to conduct further inspections.