Seven tourists and a Thai woman were arrested in a suspected drug den hidden behind a barbershop in Bangkok.

The alleged smugglers reportedly peddled narcotics to tourists in front of the shop in the red-light district, Nana, a short drive from the airport.

Police launched an investigation following complaints of several Middle Eastern men 'acting suspiciously' in the area.

Undercover agents were sent to the five-storey commercial building, where they were greeted at the entrance by two large men who allegedly invited them to buy drugs inside, saying: 'With just one sniff, you'll feel like you're on top of a pyramid.'

The cops were led to the top floor the Piklik Barber shop, where they discovered a UV-lit room behind the shop counter.

The suspects allegedly offered drugs for 2,000 baht per pill. Upon confirming the transaction, officers swooped in on the premises.

Footage shows police storming the den and detaining several shocked holidaymakers.

Sniffer dogs were later brought in, leading to the discovery of more narcotics hidden in the building.

Authorities said they seized four ecstasy pills, 3.3 grammes of crystal meth, 1.7 grammes of cocaine, two meth tablets, magic mushrooms, hookah equipment, 55 boxes of snuff, and 125 packs of illegal cigarettes.

They also confiscated three bank account books, and 129,000 baht in cash.

The arrested individuals were identified as Thai woman Chalongkwan, 50, Egyptian man Mina Farouk Sorian Khalil, 41, Burmese nationals Maw Hain Draa, 22, and Ohn Htee, 40, Pakistani tourists Ahmad Hashir, 30, and Gil Yasir, 30, Afghan Mohammad Keza Khadimi, 21, and Iraqi Al Mansury Sajjad Salwa, 25.

Police Major General Teeradej Thamsuthee, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said: 'From the investigation, we found that this group of Arab men was operating as a gang, with members dividing up various roles.

‘Further investigation also found that their activities extended to other forms of criminal offences beyond drug distribution.

‘Additionally, intelligence suggests that some Arab residents in the Nana area are behaving like influential figures, causing fear among tourists and creating disgust among local Thai residents.

‘Their behaviour severely damages the tourism reputation of Thailand.'

The suspects face charges related to drug possession and distribution, illegal employment of foreigners, tax evasion on imported goods, and working without permits or in restricted jobs.