BANGKOK, THAILAND – A Nigerian drug lord rammed into police officers before his apprehension in a dramatic late-night incident.
An international drug network involved in cocaine trafficking and romance scams was dismantled following a daring operation in Bangkok. The group, operating under the codename “DODORIMA,” is reportedly an offshoot of the global “NBM OF AFRICA” network. Investigators believe the syndicate laundered over 380 million Baht within a single year through its illicit activities.
Operation „Dodorima-Flügelstutzen“ schlägt zu
The undercover operation, launched on May 22, involved the police and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). Initial raids at a luxury apartment in Nonthaburi led to the arrest of six foreign suspects. These arrests were crucial in uncovering the larger cartel known as “DODORIMA.” The alleged leader of this operation is a Nigerian national identified as Patrick, who had been residing in Thailand for seven years.
Auto rammt Beamte – Motor in letzter Sekunde abgewürgt
On the night of June 9, authorities observed Patrick entering a luxury residence in Bangkok’s Yan Nawa district. When police attempted to block his vehicle, Patrick reversed aggressively, striking officers and injuring several. The quick actions of the police, including smashing the car windows and disabling the engine, prevented him from escaping further.
He was apprehended inside the vehicle, with cocaine found in his possession. The operation, dubbed “Dodorima-Flügelstutzen” (Dodorima Wing Clipping), successfully disrupted the network’s operations.
18 Gramm Kokain und Luxusleben auf 700.000 Baht
During the search of Patrick’s car and apartment, officers seized approximately 18 grams of cocaine. Also recovered were a car valued at 200,000 Baht, 178,800 Baht in cash, and 1,900 US dollars, totaling an estimated 700,000 Baht in assets. Additional funds were found in bank accounts, alongside expensive branded items.
Authorities believe the cocaine was not only for trade but also served as a means to gain access to influential circles. Patrick’s lifestyle appeared to be funded by these criminal endeavors.
Vom Straßenverkäufer zum Ring-Anführer
Patrick’s criminal career began in Thailand as a small-scale cocaine vendor targeting tourists. Over several years, he rose to become a prominent figure within the cartel, frequently traveling between Thailand and Africa. The network is accused of laundering substantial sums of money, often masking their illegal income through organized “charity tours” to collect public donations.
Romance-Scam als zweites Standbein
Investigators uncovered a direct link between the cocaine ring and a previously dismantled romance scam operation in Nonthaburi. The six foreigners arrested on May 22 were running an extensive online dating fraud scheme from a luxury accommodation. Both criminal activities converged under the umbrella of the DODORIMA group.
Evidence, including chat logs from secret groups, indicated that members discussed cocaine consumers in Thailand, with the drug trade operating in parallel to the online fraud.
Teilgeständnis – Fischhandel als Erklärung
Following his arrest, Patrick admitted to possessing cocaine. However, he denied allegations of money laundering, claiming the funds were derived from a fish trading business and donations between Thailand and Nigeria. Police dismissed this as a mere excuse.
The seized assets have been transferred to the narcotics control office for further financial investigation. Investigators are working to reconstruct the money trail comprehensively.
Polizei spricht von gezieltem Flügelstutzen
Deputy Police Spokesperson Theeradej characterized the raid as a significant blow against transnational crime. He stated:
“This arrest clips the wings of the gang and disrupts the money laundering cycle.”
In addition to drug charges, Patrick faces accusations of resisting arrest and is currently in police custody at the Bang Phong Phang station.
Jagd auf ausländische und thailändische Komplizen
Law enforcement agencies, including the ONCB and international authorities, are continuing to trace the financial flows. The objective is to bring all involved accomplices, both foreign and Thai nationals, to justice. The money laundering investigation is ongoing, with police in Bangkok and the national police planning further actions to dismantle the network and prosecute those responsible.