Nigerian Man Arrested In Thailand For Allegedly Selling Cocaine To Tourists

A 37-year-old Nigerian national identified as John Paul, has been arrested in Phuket, Thailand for possessing cocaine with the intention to sell.

The individual was apprehended at a rented residence in Village 11, Thepkrasattri sub district, police say at the weekend.

The operation conducted on February 13, 2025, was a joint effort by Phuket Immigration and officers from Thalang Police Station.

During the arrest, officers confiscated nine plastic bags of cocaine, each weighing approximately 0.8 grams, totalling 7.2 grams.

The drugs were discovered in the suspect’s bedroom, wrapped in black tape and placed in a brown plastic bag.

The apprehension followed a tip-off that a foreign individual was supplying cocaine to tourists in the vicinity.

After conducting surveillance and gathering intelligence, officers proceeded to the suspect’s location early in the day.

Upon arrival, they noted John Paul’s suspicious behaviour before he allowed them entry, leading to the discovery of the drugs.

In questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted to acquiring cocaine from an unidentified foreign supplier at Bang Tao Beach and reselling it to foreign clients at a profit.

He stated that he bought 12 bars of cocaine for 2,000 baht each and sold them for 3,000 baht each, with some already sold before his arrest.

John Paul has been charged with possession of a Category 2 narcotic, cocaine, with intent to sell without permission.

He was informed of his legal rights and handed over to Thalang Police Station for further legal proceedings.

The police are continuing their investigation to uncover additional individuals involved in this drug network.