Police in Thailand arrested Nigerian man with N64m hidden in bathroom ceiling

Police in Thailand have arrested a Nigerian man, Nwaiwu Ifeanyi, who allegedly supplied cocaine for sale in the capital city.

Reports claim about 1.5 million baht, equivalent to more than N67m, was found hidden in the ceiling of his bathroom during a night raid on Saturday.

According to a report published by Bangkok-based news outlet Khaosod English, three other suspects linked to the same drug trafficking network were also arrested during the operation, which resulted in the seizure of drugs, cash and jewellery.

Officers reportedly arrested the 46-year-old man near Silom Soi 1 after tracking his movements and finding about 27 grams of cocaine from him.

Three other suspects were also detained on drug possession charges.

They include a Swiss citizen, Thomas Giubibini, and two Thai men, Thanayot Asawamethi, 35, and Nattawat Wangkitjinda, 34.

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In total, police seized about 30 grams of cocaine, a car, 1.5 million baht in cash, 15,000 baht worth of foreign currency and 400,000 baht worth of jewelry.

The report stated that Ifeanyi had lived in Thailand for more than 17 years on a family visa obtained through a Thai partner.

However, the report notes that police suspect the marriage was a sham marriage designed to provide legal cover for his activities.

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

Police added that the suspect resisted arrest and had to be physically restrained before he later admitted to the charges.

The arrest comes less than three months after another Thailand-based Nigerian, Ukoma Nuzbech, was arrested for allegedly fleeing an ongoing trial for his involvement in a drug trafficking case in the Koh Pha Ngan area.

Nuzbech was first arrested in March 2025 after he allegedly sold 25.71 grams of cocaine to an undercover police officer.

He was later released on bail pending trial but reportedly went into hiding instead of appearing in court and allegedly continued his involvement in drug activities.