A Nigerian national has been arrested in Koh Phangan for allegedly trafficking cocaine to tourists across several southern Thai provinces. On the night of March 1, 2025, at approximately 11:50 p.m., Koh Phangan Tourist Police received a tip-off regarding a foreign man selling drugs to tourists. The suspect, identified as Ukwuoma Jephtah Nzubechi, a 37-year-old Nigerian, had been using a black Mazda 2 with Surat Thani license plates to deliver narcotics in the area. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, police officials were directed by Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Phueak-am, Commander of the Tourist Police Bureau, to launch an immediate investigation.
Nzubechi was arrested near Pantip Market in Koh Phangan Subdistrict, Surat Thani Province, where he was found in possession of 25.71 grams of cocaine, valued at an estimated 240,000 baht. In addition to the drugs, police seized a Mazda 2 car, an iPhone 12 Pro Max, and other related evidence. The suspect now faces two charges: possession and sale of Category 2 narcotics (cocaine) without permission, as well as the use of such narcotics.
The arrest was the result of a planned operation. Police had contacted Nzubechi through the WhatsApp messaging app, arranging a drug purchase at a designated meeting point near the Pantip Market roundabout. As the officers waited, they observed Nzubechi arrive in his vehicle, meet with a person, and hand over the drugs. Upon confirming the substance, police quickly identified themselves and took the suspect into custody.
Nzubechi is believed to be a significant player in the drug trade within Koh Phangan and surrounding regions, including Phuket and Krabi. He reportedly sold cocaine for 6,000 baht per gram and used local delivery services to ship orders to other provinces, avoiding detection by law enforcement.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Phueak-am has called for increased vigilance in high-tourism areas, directing local tourist police to take strong action against criminal activities involving foreigners. This crackdown aims to ensure a safe environment for tourists and preserve Thailand’s tourism reputation during the peak season.
The arrest highlights ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to combat drug-related crimes in tourist hotspots, with additional measures being enforced across southern Thailand.
In the last paragraph: The operation was carried out under the direction of Pol. Lt. Col. Winij Boonchit, Senior Inspector of Tourist Police Station 5, Division 2, and the Tourist Police Bureau’s swift response underscored the seriousness of these law enforcement efforts.
