DistantNews
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Thai Police Uncover N67m Hidden in Nigerian’s Bathroom Ceiling

From The Punch · (just now) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Thai police arrested a Nigerian suspected drug kingpin, Nwaiwu Ifeanyi, and seized drugs, cash, and jewelry.
  • Approximately 1.5 million baht (over N67m) was found hidden in the ceiling of the suspect's bathroom during a raid.
  • Ifeanyi, accused of supplying cocaine in Bangkok, was arrested with three other individuals linked to the drug trafficking ring.

Thai authorities have struck a significant blow against a drug trafficking network with the arrest of a Nigerian national, Nwaiwu Ifeanyi, identified as a suspected kingpin. The operation, which took place on Saturday night, resulted in the discovery of a substantial amount of cash, drugs, and jewelry, including approximately 1.5 million baht (equivalent to over N67 million) concealed within the ceiling of Ifeanyi's bathroom. This meticulous hidden stash underscores the depth of his alleged criminal enterprise.

The police suspect the marriage was a sham arranged to provide legal cover for his activities.

— InvestigatorsRegarding the marriage visa of the suspected Nigerian drug kingpin, Nwaiwu Ifeanyi.

According to reports from the Bangkok-based outlet Khaosod English, as detailed by The Punch, Ifeanyi, 46, is accused of orchestrating cocaine sales in the Thai capital. The arrest followed a period of surveillance and tracking of his movements. In addition to Ifeanyi, three other individuals were detained on drug possession charges: a Swiss national, Thomas Giubibini, and two Thai men, Thanayot Asawamethi and Nattawat Wangkitjinda. The total seizures included around 30g of cocaine, a car, foreign currency, and jewelry valued at 400,000 baht.

Investigators, according to the report, said he allegedly coordinated drug sales through encrypted chat groups, which they infiltrated before tracking his movements and carrying out the arrest.

— InvestigatorsDetailing the methods used by Nwaiwu Ifeanyi to coordinate drug sales and how police tracked him.

Adding a layer of complexity, Ifeanyi had reportedly been living in Thailand for over 17 years on a family visa, which police suspect may have been a sham arrangement to facilitate his illicit activities. Investigators believe he coordinated drug sales through encrypted chat groups. This case echoes a previous arrest of another Nigerian national in Thailand for drug trafficking, highlighting a persistent challenge for law enforcement in the region. The successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of Thai police in dismantling international drug rings operating within their borders.

The police added that the suspect resisted arrest and had to be physically restrained before he later allegedly confessed to the charges.

— PoliceDescribing the circumstances of Nwaiwu Ifeanyi's arrest.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog