The police in Thailand have arrested a 37-year-old Nigerian man, Ugoma Jefta Nusbech, for allegedly dealing in cocaine.

According to Asean Now, Nusbech was arrested on Thailand’s popular tourist island Koh Phangan during a carefully orchestrated operation.

Nusbech is reported to have arrived in Thailand as a tourist before straying into the path of drug dealing, establishing his operation within the local and regional tourist hotspots.

On the night of his arrest, Nusbech arrived at Panthip Market in a sedan to engage in his illicit operation without knowing that the law was already closing in on him.

Unbeknownst to him, the person he was to transact with was an undercover police officer who had reached out to him via messages, posing as a potential buyer.

He was Immediately arrested by authorities, bringing an end to his illegal operation in the area.

According to authorities, Nusbech was notably resourceful, selling cocaine at 6,000 Thai baht per gram on Koh Phangan. When handling orders from other provinces, he implemented higher charges to cover the logistics of hiring couriers, evading law enforcement scrutiny.

Speaking after the arrest, the head of the Tourist Police, Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Pueak-am, reiterated the need for a crackdown on foreign individuals exploiting Thailand’s tourism appeal for criminal purposes.

He said such would ensure the safety of visitors, adding that it would also protect the nation’s tourism reputation. (The Guardian)

•Police seize 25.71 grams of cocaine valued at approximately $7,000 from a black Mazda car during the arrest of a Nigerian drug dealer, Ugoma Jefta Nusbech on March 1, 2025.