A Nigerian national, Samuel Egbujonuma Silas, has been arrested by Tourist Police in Thailand during an alleged undercover cocaine bust.
It was gathered that his arrest followed a nationwide crackdown targeting foreigners suspected to be committing crimes in the Southeast Asian country.
Crime Asia reported that Mr Silas was arrested in front of a clothing store in Patong, Phuket, a well-known tourist destination in Thailand, leading to the discovery of 10 grams of cocaine.
Reports noted that police deployed undercover officers to infiltrate groups of foreign nationals believed to be involved in sales of narcotics, which apparently led to the identification of culprits.
Pictures analysed by the Peoples Gazette showed the suspect in handcuffs cooperating with law enforcement officers as they ransacked his apartment.
Crime Asia further said investigation showed that Mr Silas had overstayed his visa by over 18 months.
In a separate drug raid in Phuket, police apprehended another suspect, a Belgian national Bruno Trunfio, and seized 2.9 grams of cocaine.
During questioning, police authorities found that Mr Trunfio had been illegally staying in Thailand for more than two years following the expiration of his permit.
Reports added that both suspects were subsequently handed over to officers at Patong Police Station, who charged them with selling Category 2 narcotics for commercial purposes without permission and overstaying their visas.
Recall that the Peoples Gazette on Tuesday reported that a Nigerian student Louis Junio was arrested in Thailand during an alleged attempt to sell cocaine to undercover police officers.
Last week, three Nigerian nationals — Miracle Qluebube Duruawuzie, John Bosco Chukwukadibia and Chibueze Solomon Ozoma were also apprehended for allegedly running a money laundering ring in the country.
Two weeks ago, The Gazette also reported that a 47-year-old Nigerian man identified only as Patrick was nabbed over alleged years-long cocaine smuggling operations in Thailand.
SOURCE: PEOPLES GAZETTE
