A Nigerian national has been apprehended in Thailand over his alleged involvement in a cocaine distribution network operating within Bangkok’s nightlife districts.
According to reports by the Bangkok Post, the arrest was confirmed by Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Sayam Boonsom, who disclosed that the suspect, identified as Nwaiwu Ifeanyi Placid, 46, was taken into custody during a targeted operation.
Police said the suspect was tracked to the Silom Soi 1 area, where approximately 27 grammes of cocaine were recovered at the point of arrest.
Authorities also detained three additional suspects on drug possession charges, including Thomas Giubibini, alongside two Thai nationals, Thanayot Asawamethi, 35, and Nattawat Wangkitjinda, 34.
Law enforcement officials reported that the operation led to the seizure of about 30 grammes of cocaine in total, as well as a vehicle, 1.5 million baht in cash, foreign currency valued at 15,000 baht, and jewellery estimated at 400,000 baht.
Investigators linked the arrests to earlier crackdowns on the same network. They recalled that on October 26 last year, officers disguised as construction workers dismantled a drug ring based in the Nana area, resulting in the arrest of nine Nigerian suspects. A subsequent raid on January 23 reportedly led to further arrests and the confiscation of assets exceeding 7 million baht.
Police said ongoing intelligence efforts later identified another Nigerian, known as “Patrick,” aged 47, as a central figure in the syndicate. He is believed to have lived in Thailand for over 17 years and allegedly operated a distribution system without intermediaries.
Authorities added that operatives infiltrated communication channels linked to the group, enabling them to monitor movements and coordinate arrests.
Deputy commissioner Theeradet Thamsuthee stated that one of the suspects resisted arrest but was subdued, adding that he subsequently admitted to the allegations.
Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with all suspects currently in custody.
