A Nigerian man has been arrested in Thailand over his alleged involvement in a cocaine trafficking network operating within Bangkok’s nightlife areas.
According to Thai authorities, the suspect, Nwaiwu Ifeanyi Placid, 46, was apprehended during a targeted operation led by the Metropolitan Police Bureau. He was arrested near Silom Soi 1, where officers reportedly recovered about 27 grammes of cocaine.
Police said the arrest was part of a broader crackdown on an organised drug syndicate. Three other individuals were also taken into custody on related drug possession charges. They include Swiss national Thomas Giubibini and two Thai nationals, Thanayot Asawamethi, 35, and Nattawat Wangkitjinda, 34.
In total, authorities said they seized roughly 30 grammes of cocaine, a vehicle, cash amounting to 1.5 million baht, additional foreign currency worth 15,000 baht, and jewellery valued at about 400,000 baht.
Investigators linked the arrests to earlier operations against the same network. In October last year, police reportedly dismantled a group based in Nana and arrested nine Nigerian suspects after posing as construction workers. A separate raid in January also led to further arrests and the seizure of assets worth over 7 million baht.
Authorities said ongoing investigations later identified another Nigerian, known as “Patrick,” as a key figure in the network. The 47-year-old is believed to have lived in Thailand for at least 17 years and allegedly operated a drug distribution system without intermediaries.
Police revealed that they were able to infiltrate the group’s communication channels, track movements, and build intelligence before carrying out the arrests.
Officials added that one of the suspects attempted to resist arrest but was subdued by officers. He was later said to have confessed to the charges.
All suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
