Crackdown: Two Nigerian Drug Kingpins Arrested With Cocaine In Pattaya – SIXT-MEDIA LANE
Nigerian drug kingpin Amarachi Amechi was arrested in Pattaya before naming his supplier Ikenna Nwobodo. Police seized blocks of cocaine and crystal meth in a major raid as Thai authorities intensify their crackdown on foreign traffickers targeting tourists.
A Nigerian drug kingpin has been arrested in Pattaya for trafficking cocaine. Police raided 38-year-old Amarachi Chinonye Amechi’s apartment, arresting him in front of his girlfriend. He later named 22-year-old Ikenna Martin Nwobodo, a major supplier to foreigners. Nwobodo was caught with eight blocks of cocaine and crystal meth. Both men are now in custody as police crack down on a widening drug network driven by foreign traffickers in the resort city.
Pattaya police have arrested two Nigerian nationals in a major drug crackdown. The operation targeted ice, or crystal meths and cocaine. According to officials, the arrests are part of a wider effort to curb transnational drug networks.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Songprot Sirisukha, Commander of Immigration Bureau 3, personally visited Pattaya on October 29 to oversee the results. He was joined by Pol. Col. Naphasapong Kositsuriyamanee and Pol. Lt. Col. Kawinwat Arayasuriwong from Chonburi Immigration.
Initially, officers focused on Mr. Amarachi Chinonye Amechi, 38, who was under investigation for drug trafficking. Investigators discovered that he planned to buy a bag of ice and arrange delivery near a condominium fence in Jomtien. Consequently, police moved quickly to intercept him. Upon confrontation, officers identified themselves and arrested him. During a search, they found eight small bags of ice hidden inside cigarette packs.
Pattaya police arrest Nigerian suspect after uncovering drug deal and seizing ice hidden in cigarettes
Following this arrest, authorities searched Mr. Amechi’s residence. His Thai girlfriend was present at the time. During the search, police discovered additional crystal methamphetamine, providing further evidence.
Mr. Amechi later admitted he had received the drugs from Mr. Ikenna Martin Nwobodo, 22, another Nigerian national. Moreover, authorities revealed that Nwobodo is a major cocaine agent, primarily selling to foreigners in the Pattaya area.
Police then planned a sting operation to apprehend Nwobodo. They arranged for him to deliver drugs to the same condominium. Predictably, Nwobodo arrived as scheduled. However, during the arrest attempt, he became alert and tried to swallow cocaine
Fortunately, officers quickly intervened and retrieved the drugs from his mouth. This dramatic attempt highlighted the desperation and risk of traffickers in Pattaya. In short, they live a life of danger and apprehension at every turn.
Second Nigerian suspect caught in sting as police stop him swallowing cocaine during dramatic arrest
Subsequently, a search of a condominium room uncovered eight blocks of cocaine wrapped in black tape. Police found the drugs inside a rubber glove, hidden in a toothpaste box. Altogether, authorities seized 33 grams of crystal methamphetamine and nine grams of cocaine.
Following the seizure, both suspects were taken to Pattaya City Police Station. They now face charges of possession of Category 1 narcotics with intent to sell, along with overstaying in the Kingdom.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Songprot emphasized the significance of the arrests. He stated that the Chonburi Immigration Bureau will continue cracking down on foreigners who infiltrate illegal business sectors. Furthermore, he highlighted the bureau’s mission to restore safety and strengthen international confidence in Thailand’s tourism.
Pattaya, a major tourist destination, has increasingly faced organised crime involving foreign nationals. Therefore, authorities are under pressure to act decisively.
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