Phuket among targets of heroin trafficking network dismantled by Thai authorities
Thai authorities said 65.5kg of heroin worth more than B200 million was seized from a Nigerian-led trafficking network that targeted Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket.
Phuket was among the major tourist destinations targeted by a heroin trafficking network disrupted by Thai authorities this week, according to the Central Investigation Bureau, which said the drugs were intended for sale mainly to foreign tourists in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket.
CIB Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Natthasak Chaowanasai announced on May 18 the arrests of three suspects following an operation involving the Crime Suppression Division, Immigration Bureau and the Royal Thai Police Anti-Trafficking in Persons Centre. Raids in Bangkok and at the Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal led to the arrests of Ms Kanyarat, Nigerian national Mr Chiadikaobi, and Ms Somporn.
All three face charges of jointly possessing Category 1 narcotics, heroin, with intent to sell without permission, for commercial purposes and in a manner deemed harmful to public safety and national security. The new source said the charges were described under Thailand’s Narcotics Act (2021), Section 145, paragraph 3, which carries penalties ranging from five years’ imprisonment to life sentences, fines of 500,000 to 5,000,000 baht, or the death penalty.
The investigation began after Nong Khai Immigration Bureau officers received intelligence about a Nigerian-led drug trafficking operation working with Thai women in Bangkok. Police said one Thai suspect had illegally crossed into a neighbouring country through a natural border route before returning to Thailand and checking into a hotel in Bangkok.
Investigators later raided the hotel and arrested Mr Chiadikaobi, who was allegedly found with 49.5kg of heroin concealed inside snack bags. The investigation then expanded, leading to the arrest of Ms Somporn at the Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal while she was allegedly attempting to transport drugs to Phuket. Officers seized another 16kg of heroin hidden in snack and pet food bags.
Police said the heroin had been supplied by Ms Kanyarat for distribution to smaller dealers, particularly within Nigerian networks operating in tourist hubs. Authorities also said the suspects had never met in person and coordinated through online communication.
In total, officers seized 65.5kg of heroin with an estimated street value of more than B200 million. Authorities said couriers were allegedly offered about 30,000 baht per delivery.
The CIB also warned Thai women about online romance scams involving foreign nationals who persuade victims to receive or transport packages across provinces or international borders. Police said traffickers exploit Thai women as couriers because they are believed to attract less suspicion during travel, and warned that those drawn into such schemes could become involved in transnational drug trafficking operations and face severe penalties under Thai law, including possible capital punishment.
