Samut Prakan, Thailand – A Nigerian man and his Thai girlfriend have been arrested for running a cocaine trafficking operation in Bangkok, highlighting growing concerns about foreign-led drug networks in Thailand.
The suspects, Mr. Ukwe Vincent Chisom, 33, a Nigerian national, and Ms. Kesinee “Lek”, 30, a Thai citizen, were apprehended late Tuesday night by the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) and Metropolitan Police Bureau officers. Their arrest took place inside a condominium unit on Srinakarin Road, Samrong Nuea Subdistrict, Samut Prakan Province, where police discovered a significant cache of evidence.
The Arrest and Seizure
Acting on intelligence from a confidential informant, police launched a targeted operation against the couple, who had been under surveillance for several weeks.
During the raid, officers recovered:
- 99 grams of cocaine (Category 2 narcotics)
- Three mobile phones used for communication with clients and suppliers
- Financial records and bank account details managed by Ms. Kesinee
- Other items linked to the couple’s narcotics operation
Authorities estimated the value of the seized drugs and related property at over ฿700,000.
Mr. Chisom reportedly purchased cocaine in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit district, one of the capital’s busiest nightlife and expatriate hubs. From there, the drugs were distributed in the Srinakarin area, with Kesinee managing the accounts and receiving payments through electronic transfers.
Illegal Entry into Thailand
Police confirmed that both suspects had entered Thailand illegally. Investigators said they crossed from Laos into Nong Khai province using natural border routes, bypassing immigration checkpoints.
Chisom is now facing additional charges of illegal entry and unlawful residence. Authorities warned that many foreign drug traffickers exploit porous borders in northeastern Thailand, particularly the long stretches along the Mekong River, to infiltrate the country.
Confession and Charges
During interrogation, both suspects admitted their involvement in the cocaine trade.
- Chisom confessed to purchasing cocaine locally and redistributing it to customers.
- Kesinee admitted she handled logistics, including bank transfers and financial transactions, effectively laundering money from drug sales.
They were charged with:
- Joint distribution of Category 2 narcotics without permission
- Possession of narcotics for distribution
- Illegal entry and unlawful stay (for Chisom only)
Under Thai law, trafficking Category 2 narcotics such as cocaine carries harsh penalties, including 15 years to life imprisonment and heavy fines ranging from ฿1 million to ฿5 million.
Senior Police Oversight
The arrest was closely monitored by high-ranking officers, underscoring its significance. Officials involved included:
- Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Bunsom, Commissioner, Metropolitan Police Bureau
- Pol. Maj. Gen. Noppasin Poolsawat, Deputy Commissioner
- Pol. Col. Santi Kornkasem, Superintendent, Crime Suppression Division
- Pol. Lt. Col. Yotsanin Prasertsopa, Superintendent of the NSD Division, who led the raid
Authorities emphasized that the operation was intelligence-led, built on weeks of surveillance and informant reports.
Cocaine Networks in Thailand
The arrest sheds light on a troubling trend: the growing role of Nigerian nationals in Thailand’s cocaine trade.
Police noted that Nigerian-led syndicates often recruit local partners — frequently Thai women — to handle finances, property rentals, and day-to-day operations. These networks are typically structured and highly adaptive, making them difficult to dismantle.
Thailand has seen several high-profile cases in recent years:
- August 2025 – Koh Samui: Two Brazilians, allegedly directed by a Nigerian cartel, were arrested with ฿20 million worth of cocaine hidden in their luggage.
- 2024 – Bangkok: Multiple Nigerian suspects were linked to both cocaine distribution and online romance scams, with investigators finding overlap between the two operations.
- Ongoing: Police intelligence continues to flag Nigerian groups as central to the importation and distribution of cocaine in Thailand.
Officials stressed that cocaine, once rare in Thailand compared to methamphetamine (ya ba), is becoming more visible in Bangkok’s nightlife and expatriate circles, raising alarm about its growing demand.
Public Cooperation and Intelligence Gathering
The NSB and Metropolitan Police Bureau credited this arrest to public cooperation, underscoring the importance of citizen reports.
“Timely information from the public allows us to act quickly and effectively against organised drug crime,” one senior officer said. “Without tips, networks like this can operate under the radar for months.”
Authorities are urging residents — particularly in Bangkok’s entertainment districts — to report suspicious activity, including foreign nationals living lavishly without visible employment, or unusual patterns of visitors to condos and apartments.
Broader Concerns: Nigerians in Romance Scams and Drugs
Thai police highlighted that Nigerians in Thailand are frequently linked not only to drug trafficking but also to romance scams targeting women online. These scams often involve tricking victims into sending money under false pretenses of love or business deals.
In several investigations, authorities discovered overlap between drug and scam operations, with the same groups funneling illicit profits through local bank accounts. This dual criminal activity complicates enforcement and magnifies the threat posed to Thai society.
The Road Ahead
Chisom and Kesinee are currently being held at Samrong Nuea Police Station. They will be formally charged in court after the evidence is fully processed.
Investigators are expanding the probe to identify additional accomplices and higher-level figures in the network. Police believe the pair are only a small part of a larger Nigerian-run cartel operating across Bangkok and other major Thai cities.
Authorities reaffirmed Thailand’s zero-tolerance policy toward narcotics, warning that both foreign and local offenders face serious consequences.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Arrested: Mr. Ukwe Vincent Chisom (Nigerian, 33) and Ms. Kesinee “Lek” (Thai, 30)
- Location: Condo, Srinakarin Road, Samut Prakan
- Seized: 99g cocaine, 3 phones, financial evidence, assets worth ฿700,000+
- Origin: Entered Thailand illegally via Laos/Nong Khai
- Charges: Narcotics distribution, possession, illegal entry (for Chisom)
- Penalties: Up to life imprisonment, fines up to ฿5 million
- Context: Linked to wider Nigerian drug and scam networks in Thailand
This case illustrates how foreign-led cartels exploit weak border security and local partnerships to fuel Thailand’s drug market. With cocaine gaining a stronger foothold in urban centers, law enforcement faces an escalating challenge.
