2 Nigerians Arrested in Thailand as One Attempts to Swallow Cocaine to Hide Evidence

Thai authorities have arrested two Nigerian men linked to a suspected transnational drug trafficking network after one of them attempted to swallow cocaine to destroy evidence during a police raid.

The suspects, identified as Amarachi and Ikenna, were apprehended in a joint operation carried out by Chonburi Immigration and Pattaya City Police on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, in the Jomtien area of Pattaya.

According to the police, the operation followed a sting purchase of crystal meth, locally known as “ice,” which led to the discovery of 33 grams of the substance and 9 grams of cocaine concealed in cigarette packs and toothpaste tubes.

During the arrest, one suspect reportedly tried to swallow pellets of cocaine in an attempt to conceal the evidence, but officers managed to retrieve the drugs after forcing his mouth open.

Investigations revealed that the suspects are part of a larger drug trafficking network involving foreign nationals—mainly Nigerians—operating in Bangkok’s Nana Plaza area. The network allegedly uses a “mouth-concealment method” to smuggle narcotics and evade detection.

Police further disclosed that both Amarachi and Ikenna had overstayed their tourist visas. The arrests were linked to an earlier undercover operation in Bangkok on October 26, where narcotics suppression officers disguised as construction workers raided the Sukhumvit 11 area.

That operation led to the arrest of eight Nigerians and one Thai accomplice accused of selling cocaine and crystal meth to tourists using similar smuggling tactics. Several grams of narcotics, mobile phones, and cash were recovered during the raid.

Authorities described the coordinated operations as a major breakthrough in dismantling a Nigerian-led transnational drug ring active in Bangkok and Pattaya.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Songprod Sirisukha, Commander of Immigration Division 3, said the police remain committed to stamping out transnational crime and ensuring the safety of residents and tourists in Thailand.