BANGKOK — More than 100 officers from the Narcotics Control Board, police, and military raided an illegal nightclub in Bangkok’s Ratchathewi District early Saturday morning, arresting a Nigerian national for cocaine trafficking and detaining 22 patrons who tested positive for drugs.
The 5 a.m. raid on October 18 at a venue on Ratchaprarop Soi 14 found over 100 Thai and foreign patrons inside the establishment, which had been operating until 7 a.m. daily in violation of licensing laws.
Tip-Off Led to Major Bust
The raid followed complaints to the Narcotics Control Board’s hotline (1386) about the venue, a converted former curtain hotel that had been renovated with DJ equipment and was attracting both Thai and foreign tourists for drug use.
Officers shut down all activities and conducted drug tests on 127 clubgoers while searching for illegal substances. Twenty-two people tested positive for drugs—11 foreigners and 11 Thais. Thai suspects were transferred to Din Daeng Police Station before being sent to Din Daeng Public Health Service Center for rehabilitation, while foreign suspects face drug possession charges at Din Daeng station before being handed over to immigration police for deportation.
Cocaine, Ice, and Laughing Gas Seized
Authorities arrested two staff members and seized approximately 2 grams of crystal methamphetamine in two bags and one package of cocaine. The suspects face charges of jointly possessing Category 1 and 2 narcotics for commercial purposes. A black Suzuki Swift was also confiscated as evidence.
Searches uncovered additional cocaine, methamphetamine, ketamine in plastic bags, and multiple canisters of nitrous oxide (laughing gas).
Nigerian Dealer Targeted Club Patrons
Police Colonel Suriya Singhakamol, Secretary-General of the Narcotics Control Board, said investigators had been tracking a Nigerian man who was smuggling cocaine into the venue and selling it to customers. The establishment had been operating for over a year and was also illegally selling e-cigarettes, cannabis, and nitrous oxide while operating beyond legal hours.
Authorities are continuing their investigation and pursuing additional charges in the case. The crackdown is part of ongoing efforts to suppress drug trafficking networks targeting Bangkok’s nightlife districts.
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