Thai police arrest Nigerian over cocaine trafficking ring in Bangkok

A Nigerian national has been arrested by Thai authorities in connection with a cocaine trafficking network operating across nightlife districts in Bangkok.

The suspect, identified as Nwaiwu Ifeanyi Placid, 46, was apprehended near Silom Soi 1 during a targeted operation led by the Metropolitan Police Bureau, according to local reports. Officers recovered about 27 grammes of cocaine at the time of his arrest.

Police also arrested three other suspects on drug possession charges, including Thomas Giubibini, alongside two Thai nationals, Thanayot Asawamethi and Nattawat Wangkitjinda.

Authorities disclosed that total items seized during the operation included approximately 30 grammes of cocaine, a vehicle, 1.5 million baht in cash, foreign currency worth 15,000 baht, and jewellery valued at about 400,000 baht.

Investigators linked the arrests to earlier crackdowns on the same drug network. In October last year, officers disguised as construction workers dismantled a similar operation in the Nana area, arresting nine Nigerian suspects. A subsequent raid in January led to further arrests and the seizure of assets valued at over 7 million baht.

Police said investigations later uncovered another key suspect, identified only as “Patrick,” believed to have lived in Thailand for more than 17 years and to be running a “middleman-free” drug distribution system.

According to Deputy Commissioner Theeradet Thamsuthee, the suspect resisted arrest but was subdued by officers. He allegedly confessed to the charges during interrogation.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing, with all suspects currently in custody as efforts continue to dismantle the wider trafficking network.