Nigerian nationals have been arrested for allegedly becoming a major player in Thailand’s cocaine trade on the popular tourist island.
The arrest was executed on Saturday night, March 1, 2025 near the Pantip Plaza Market in Moo 1, Koh Phangan subdivision, highlighting the ongoing battle against drug trafficking amid Thailand’s vibrant tourist hotspots.
The visitor police acted on an intelligence report, detailing the sneaky narcotics of a black foreign country and launched an investigation focused on Ugonna J, 37.
Authorities carefully monitored Ugna’s activities before conducting a covert operation.
Using the widely used messaging app WhatsApp, undercover personnel contact the suspect to pretend to buy cocaine benefits.
A meeting was arranged near the bustling Pantip Plaza market, which strategically chose the action.
The monitoring team is located in a designated area.
Ugona arrives at the meeting point and hands over the illegal substance to the undercover staff. Police quickly confirmed the substance as cocaine before identifying themselves and arresting the suspect.
The arrest has a lot of traction: 25.71 grams of cocaine, estimated to be worth about 240,000 baht ($7,000).
Authorities also caught a black Mazda 2 car and two cell phones, which could contain key evidence related to Ugna’s so-called drug network.
The suspect faces serious charges, including possession of Class 2 narcotics intended to be sold and distribution of drugs without permission.
He is currently in the detention center of Koh Phangan Police Department, where investigators continue to establish the case.
Subsequent inquiry showed a clear image of Ugov’s alleged action.
Investigators learned that he was suspected to be the main cocaine supplier of Koh Phangan, and his distribution network was reportedly extended to other popular tourist destinations such as Phuket and Krabi.
He allegedly sold cocaine in a single gram package of THB 6,000 ($175) to pay surcharges to other provinces.
To circumvent law enforcement, he reportedly avoided postal services and instead used couriers for drug transport. This method, while more expensive, provides a perceived protective layer to avoid detection.
According to police, the arrest represents a major victory for law enforcement in its ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in Thailand’s tourist areas.
It also highlights innovative strategies, including undercover operations and digital communication platforms used by police, such as WhatsApp, to solve this complex problem.
The investigation continues as authorities work to remove the drug network and bring all involved to justice.
