Bangkok: The Bangkok Metropolitan Police, in cooperation with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), launched a significant operation to dismantle a major drug trafficking network, leading to the arrest of "Patrick," a Nigerian national and key suspect in a cocaine trafficking ring in Thailand. They seized cocaine, over 1.5 million baht in cash, and assets worth several million baht, following a four-month manhunt.
According to Thai News Agency, the operation took place on April 18th under the direction of the National Police Chief and the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Commissioner. More than 30 officers tracked the suspects down and found them delivering drugs to customers in various areas before arresting them near the entrance of Soi Silom 1, Silom Subdistrict, Bang Rak District, Bangkok.
During the arrest, the suspect, being of large stature, resisted, requiring more than five officers to subdue him. The investigation expanded to search his luxury condominium in the Rama 3 area. Officers found 1.5 million baht in cash hidden in the bathroom ceiling, along with 30 grams of cocaine, a car, gold jewelry, branded watches, and foreign currency, totaling several million baht.
In addition, three more individuals involved in the network were arrested: one Swiss national and two Thai nationals. They were charged with possession of a Category 2 narcotic, cocaine.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Teeradet Thamsuthee, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, stated that the suspect had been hiding in Thailand for over 17 years, using his status as a family member of a Thai citizen to gain access to the country. He served as a key figure in smuggling cocaine from abroad into Thailand, using clandestine groups on social media applications for transactions and avoiding intermediaries to minimize the risk of arrest.
Mr. Patrick confessed to all charges, expressing surprise that the police discovered the money hidden in the bathroom ceiling. He claimed the money came from Nigeria and did not expect to get caught after operating for such a long time.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Teeradet mentioned that despite the suspect's lack of cooperation, authorities have information and evidence linking him as a central figure in smuggling drugs across borders. Investigations have revealed that this suspect has been active in Thailand for decades, with no evidence of any legitimate occupation, only his involvement in drug delivery. This operation is considered a significant blow to a large cocaine network in Thailand. The investigation will continue until its conclusion, and the public is encouraged to report any information to the hotline 1386 or 191.