Bangkok — Thai police have arrested a Nigerian man and his Thai wife in a drug bust connected to cocaine trafficking in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit district, a popular nightlife and expat area. The police raid highlights Thailand’s strict drug laws and the risks faced by foreigners involved in narcotics.
Cocaine Trafficking in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit District
Police confirmed that on September 2, officers detained Mr. Ukwe, 33, a Nigerian national, and his wife, Ms. Kesini, 30, at their condominium in Samut Prakan province, just outside Bangkok. The arrests followed a Metropolitan Police investigation into cocaine trafficking in Bangkok, which uncovered their involvement in the sale of narcotics in Sukhumvit, an area well-known to tourists and expats.
The Child and Women Welfare Division conducted surveillance that led to the raid. At the property, officers seized 99 grams of cocaine, three mobile phones, and other evidence. Police also confiscated assets worth more than 700,000 baht (around USD 21,600), believed to be connected to drug trafficking activities. These arrests are part of a series of recent Sukhumvit drug arrests as authorities increase enforcement in nightlife districts.
Details of the Police Raid in Samut Prakan
According to police reports, the couple admitted they had illegally entered Thailand through Nong Khai province on the Laos border. They confessed to purchasing cocaine in the Sukhumvit area and distributing it in surrounding districts. Investigators said the Thai wife played a key role by renting the condominium and opening bank accounts used to receive drug money transfers.
Charges and Penalties Under Thai Drug Laws
Both suspects face charges of drug trafficking in Thailand, a serious offense under Thai law. Cocaine is classified as a “Category 2 narcotic,” making its possession, distribution, or trafficking strictly illegal. Convictions carry long prison terms, heavy fines, and in severe cases, life sentences.
The Nigerian man arrested in Thailand also faces additional charges of illegal entry and unlawful residence. His Thai wife arrested in Bangkok faces the same narcotics-related charges. Both are being held at Samrong Nuea Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Warning for Expats in Bangkok Nightlife
Thailand enforces some of the toughest drug laws in Southeast Asia. Foreigners caught in drug-related crimes often face imprisonment followed by deportation once their sentences are complete. Police stress that nightlife areas such as Sukhumvit are under close watch, and expats in Bangkok nightlife districts are strongly advised to avoid any involvement with narcotics.
This latest drug bust in Sukhumvit reinforces the Thai government’s zero-tolerance approach. For both tourists and expats, the case is a reminder that drug offenses in Thailand carry severe penalties and that staying informed about local laws is essential for a safe and trouble-free stay.
