Thai authorities have arrested a 37-year-old Nigerian man, Ugoma Jefta Nusbech, for allegedly dealing in cocaine.
According to Asean Now, Nusbech was apprehended on Koh Phangan, a popular tourist island, during a carefully planned police operation. Initially arriving in Thailand as a tourist, he reportedly became involved in drug dealing, establishing a network within local and regional tourist hotspots.
On the night of his arrest, Nusbech drove to Panthip Market in a sedan, unaware that law enforcement was closing in on him. His supposed customer was actually an undercover police officer who had contacted him while posing as a buyer. As soon as the transaction was initiated, Nusbech was arrested, effectively shutting down his illegal operations in the area.
Authorities revealed that Nusbech was selling cocaine at 6,000 Thai baht per gram on Koh Phangan. For orders from other provinces, he charged higher prices to cover the cost of hiring couriers and avoiding law enforcement scrutiny.
Following the arrest, the head of the Tourist Police, Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Pueak-am, emphasized the need for stricter crackdowns on foreign individuals exploiting Thailand’s tourism industry for criminal activities. He stressed that such measures were essential to ensuring visitor safety and protecting the country’s tourism reputation.
