Bangkok —
Thai authorities have successfully dismantled a transnational drug trafficking ring in Nong Khai involving Nigerian and Thai suspects, seizing 65.5 kilograms of heroin with an estimated street value of more than 200 million baht, where it was said to be sent to be sold to mostly foreign tourists in Bangkok Phuket and Pattaya.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Natthasak Chaowanasai, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, announced the arrests of three suspects, two Thai women and one Nigerian man, on May 18th. The heroin was concealed inside snack bags and pet food packaging to evade detection.
The operation began after immigration police in Nong Khai alerted investigators to suspicious activity involving a Nigerian national residing in Bangkok. Surveillance revealed that he was working with Thai women to smuggle heroin for distribution in major tourist destinations, including Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket.
One Thai suspect was tracked crossing into neighboring countries through natural border routes before returning to Bangkok, where she checked into a hotel. Acting on intelligence, narcotics officers raided the premises and arrested Mr. Chiadikaobi, a Nigerian national, with 49.5 kilograms of heroin hidden in snack bags.
Further investigation led to the arrest of Ms. Somporn at Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal, where she was found carrying an additional 16 kilograms of heroin. Both suspects admitted the drugs had been supplied by Ms. Kanyarat, another Thai woman, for distribution to smaller dealers, particularly within Nigerian networks operating in tourist hubs.
Authorities revealed that the suspects had never met in person, instead coordinating through online communication. The Nigerian-led network allegedly used “romance scams” to lure Thai women into transporting narcotics, offering payments of around 30,000 baht per delivery.
Police stated that traffickers deliberately exploit Thai women as couriers, believing they attract less suspicion during travel. This tactic has proven effective in past smuggling operations.
Had the heroin reached the market, it would have sold for approximately 3,500 baht per gram, generating over 200 million baht in revenue.
The suspects face charges under Thailand’s Narcotics Act (2021), Section 145 (Paragraph 3), which carries penalties ranging from five years’ imprisonment to life sentences, fines between 500,000 and 5,000,000 baht, or the death penalty.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Natthasak urged Thai women to remain vigilant against foreign nationals who attempt to build online relationships as a pretext for drug trafficking. He warned that accepting sealed packages or disguised goods could result in severe criminal liability.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
