Tourist Police in Phuket have arrested two foreign nationals in separate undercover cocaine sting operations in Patong, seizing cocaine and uncovering visa overstays of 550 and 762 days respectively. The suspects, a Nigerian man and a Belgian man, were detained in late-night operations, as part of a wider crackdown on foreign crime ordered by senior Tourist Police commanders.
Get today's headlines by email 
The arrests followed orders from Pol Lt Gen Saksira Pueak-am, commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, for stricter enforcement against foreign nationals involved in crime. Pol Col Narapon Wattanakornthawee, superintendent of Division 2, Tourist Police Division 3, instructed investigators led by Pol Lt Col Sarawut Kohklang to gather intelligence on suspected foreign drug dealers operating in the area.
In the first case, officers arrested Nigerian national Mr Samuel Egbujonuma Silas on the evening of 6 May 2026. He was detained near a clothing shop on Phra Metta Road in Patong, Kathu district, Phuket.
Police said undercover officers infiltrated groups of foreign nationals suspected of involvement in narcotics trafficking before arranging a controlled purchase of cocaine. Officers allegedly found six packets of cocaine wrapped in black and orange tape, with a combined weight of about 10.45 grams.
Authorities said Mr Silas held a 60-day tourist visa but had overstayed by 550 days. He was charged with possession of a Category 2 narcotic with intent to sell without permission for commercial purposes, and with remaining in Thailand after his visa had expired.
In a second operation, Belgian national Mr Bruno Trunfio was arrested on the same evening, outside a convenience store on Rat Uthit 200 Pi Road in Patong. Police said officers seized three quantities of cocaine weighing about 2.90 grams in total. One packet was allegedly found in his left hand during the arrest, another had been sold to an undercover source during the sting and a smaller quantity was discovered hidden down the front of his shorts.
Authorities said Mr Trunfio had entered Thailand under a visa exemption scheme but had overstayed by 762 days. He faces the same charges of possession of a Category 2 narcotic with intent to sell for commercial purposes and overstaying his permitted stay in the kingdom.
Thaitabloid reported that both suspects were handed to investigators at Patong Police Station for legal proceedings. The arrests form part of a broader crackdown by Thai authorities on foreign nationals linked to drug offences and visa violations in Phuket.
Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 8 May 2026
-
1