PATTAYA — Immigration police in Chonburi have arrested two Nigerian nationals in a drug bust where officers physically prevented one suspect from swallowing cocaine evidence during his arrest.
The operation, led by Pol. Col. Naphaspong Khositsurimon under the command of Pol. Maj. Gen. Songprod Sirisukha, Commissioner of Immigration Bureau 3, resulted in the arrests of Mr. Amarachi, 38, and Mr. Ikenna, 22, on October 29.
Chonburi Immigration Police initially received intelligence that Amarachi was involved in methamphetamine trafficking. Officers set up an undercover buy of one bag of crystal meth, arranging delivery near a condominium fence in Jomtien.
During Amarachi’s arrest, police discovered eight bags of methamphetamine hidden inside a cigarette pack. A subsequent search of his room uncovered his Thai girlfriend and additional quantities of the drug.
Under questioning, Amarachi admitted receiving the drugs from Ikenna, a fellow Nigerian who served as a major supplier distributing cocaine to foreigners in Pattaya.
Dramatic Second Arrest
Police arranged another undercover purchase, setting up a meeting at the same condominium. When Ikenna arrived and officers moved to arrest him, he attempted to swallow cocaine to destroy evidence. Officers managed to stop him and retrieved the drugs from his mouth.
A search of Ikenna’s condominium room revealed eight blocks of cocaine wrapped in black tape, placed inside latex gloves, and hidden in a toothpaste box.
Both Nigerian nationals were taken into custody with a combined haul of 33 grams of methamphetamine and 9 grams of cocaine. They were transferred to Pattaya Police Station and charged with possession of Category 1 narcotics with intent to sell and overstaying their permitted time in Thailand.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Songprod emphasized that Chonburi Immigration Police will continue cracking down on transnational criminal organizations, particularly foreign nationals operating illegal businesses, to restore safety and confidence for tourists.
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