THAI POLICE ARREST NIGERIAN DRUG KINGPIN IN BANGKOK RAID
Read Time:3 Minute, 39 Second
Agency report
Thai authorities have arrested a Nigerian man accused of leading a major cocaine trafficking network in the country following a late-night operation in Bangkok during which he allegedly attempted to evade arrest.
The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Ikenna Azubuike, was apprehended on Tuesday outside a luxury condominium on Rama III Road in Bangkok’s Yannawa district during an operation code-named “Clipping the Wings of the Dodorima Boss.”
According to Thai authorities, the operation was carried out by the Metropolitan Police Bureau and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board after weeks of investigations into an alleged transnational criminal network linked to cocaine trafficking and related financial crimes.
Azubuike was charged with allegedly possessing and selling cocaine, a Category 2 narcotic under Thai law, without authorisation, as well as resisting arrest. Investigators said additional money-laundering charges may follow as the investigation progresses.
Police said the operation resulted in the seizure of cocaine, cash, funds in bank accounts, a vehicle and other assets worth more than 700,000 baht, estimated at about N29 million.
Authorities traced the investigation to a May 22 raid on a luxury condominium near Phra Nang Klao Bridge in Nonthaburi, where six foreign nationals were arrested over an alleged romance scam operation.
Investigators said evidence recovered during that raid pointed to a wider cocaine trafficking network with more than 300 million baht allegedly linked to its activities.
Police identified Azubuike as the alleged leader of a group known as Dodorima, which authorities described as an African-linked criminal network operating in Thailand.
According to investigators, the suspect had lived in Thailand for more than seven years and frequently travelled between Thailand and Africa. They alleged that he rose from street-level cocaine distribution in tourist areas to become a prominent figure within the network.
Authorities further claimed that more than 380 million baht passed through accounts connected to the organisation within the past year, with significant sums allegedly transferred from Thailand to Nigeria.
Investigators also alleged that intelligence reports suggested part of the proceeds may have been used to finance the construction of a mansion in Nigeria.
The Metropolitan Police Bureau said the investigation was complicated by the suspect’s network of associates and alleged attempts to conceal financial transactions.
Police said officers tracked Azubuike to a luxury condominium complex in Bangkok and attempted to stop his vehicle using a coordinated blockade. However, authorities alleged that he reversed into police officers and tried to flee.
Several officers reportedly sustained injuries during the incident.
Metropolitan Police Bureau Deputy Commissioner, Pol Maj Gen Theeradej Thamsuthee, who supervised the operation, said officers were forced to take decisive action.
Police subsequently smashed the vehicle’s windows and disabled its engine before taking the suspect into custody.
A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered about 18 grammes of cocaine, while a subsequent search of his condominium reportedly led to the recovery of cash and other assets.
Investigators also claimed to have found evidence linking the suspect to a broader transnational criminal network.
According to police, messages recovered from a private group chat allegedly used by members of the organisation included remarks mocking cocaine users. One message reportedly stated, “The powder they snort comes from our backsides.”
Authorities said the messages now form part of the ongoing investigation.
Following his arrest, Azubuike was transferred to Bang Phongphang Police Station for further legal proceedings, while assets seized under anti-money laundering regulations were handed over to the Office of the Narcotics Control Board for financial tracing.
During questioning, investigators said the suspect made partial admissions regarding involvement with cocaine but denied allegations of money laundering.
According to police, Azubuike insisted that the group’s activities were centred on charitable projects funded through a legitimate fish-export business operating between Thailand and Nigeria.
He also reportedly challenged some descriptions of the organisation and told investigators that the term “Dodorima” simply means “hello.”
Despite the denials, Thai authorities described the arrest as a major breakthrough in their efforts against organised crime.
“The arrest represents a significant disruption to both drug trafficking and financial laundering activities connected to the organisation,” Pol Maj Gen Theeradej said.
He added that investigators would continue collaborating with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board and international law-enforcement agencies to trace financial transactions and identify both Thai and foreign suspects allegedly connected to the network.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0