Belgian, Nigerian men arrested in Patong on cocaine, overstay charges

Phuket Tourist Police arrested a Belgian man and a Nigerian man in Patong on May 7 after an undercover cocaine trafficking operation, officials said. Police said both were accused of selling cocaine in Phuket and had each overstayed their visas by more than a year.

Arrests on Phra Metta Road and Rat-Uthit 200 Years Road

Officers first detained Samuel, a Nigerian national, near a clothing shop on Phra Metta Road after surveillance and a sting operation targeting drug networks among expatriates in the resort town.

Police said he was carrying six packets of cocaine weighing about 10.45 grams. Investigators also found he had overstayed his visa by 550 days.

Bruno, a Belgian national, was then arrested outside a convenience store on Rat-Uthit 200 Years Road. Officers said he was found with 2.90 grams of cocaine, including drugs obtained in the undercover purchase and more concealed on his person.

Samuel was charged with possession and intent to sell a Category 2 narcotic, cocaine, and with visa overstay. Bruno faces similar charges of drug trafficking and overstaying after police determined he had remained in the country for 762 days beyond his permitted stay.

Both suspects were transferred to Patong Police Station for prosecution. Authorities said the operation formed part of a broader effort to suppress drug crime and enforce immigration law.

Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/05/07/belgian-and-nigerian-overstaying-for-over-a-year-arrested-in-patong-for-cocaine-trafficking/