BANGKOK, THAILAND – A suspected Nigerian drug dealer was arrested in the Thai capital after a dramatic escape attempt. The 21-year-old suspect tried to hide from police in a sewage ditch after a covert drug purchase went wrong.
Trap snaps in Ramkhamhaeng
Immigration police launched an investigation into foreigners suspected of drug trafficking. On May 1, police received a crucial tip about a foreign man offering cocaine for sale.
An informant then arranged a fake purchase of 40 grams of cocaine for 100,000 baht. The handover was set for May 2 at 6:00 p.m. in Soi Ramkhamhaeng 44.
Escape over high metal fence
During the planned handover, suspect Louis Junior suddenly realized it was a police trap. He immediately fled, jumping over a roughly two-meter-high metal fence onto an undeveloped property.
Police pursued the young man for over two hours, according to Amarin TV, searching the confusing terrain. The suspect desperately tried to escape his pursuers in the darkness.
Hideout in dirty drainage ditch
Around 12:30 a.m. yesterday morning, officers finally discovered the Nigerian in a drainage ditch. He had hidden there hoping to remain undetected.
At the time of arrest, investigators found no drugs on him. Police believe he discarded the cocaine during the chase.
Visa expired months ago
Louis Junior entered Thailand on April 12 of last year via Suvarnabhumi Airport. He originally held a study extension that expired on October 8.
Officers determined his visa had been overstayed by 206 days. He was charged with illegal stay while investigations into the drug network continue.
Second arrest in the south
In a separate case, officers arrested a Nigerian drug dealer on the holiday island of Koh Pha Ngan. That man had already been caught in a raid on March 12 last year.
After being released on bail, he failed to appear in court and went into hiding. Investigators suspect he shuttled between Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan to continue drug dealing.
Fight against illegal drug trade
Thai authorities are increasingly cracking down on foreign criminals who use the country for illicit business. Such cases undermine residents’ sense of security and the reputation of tourist regions.