Police Bust 2 Members of Transnational Drug Syndicate Linked to Nigerian Kingpin

Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

Officers from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) have arrested two members of a transnational drug trafficking network linked to a Nigerian drug lord, following an intensive investigation into heroin smuggling operations.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Wittaya Sriprasertphap, commander of the CSD, directed the operation, led by Pol. Col. Anusorn Thongsai and Pol. Lt. Col. Montri Songkhong. The arrests targeted Ms. Jutatip Chuaydoo, 33, and Mr. Saknarong Onruti, 39, both of whom were detained in Trang province under arrest warrants issued by the Phuket Provincial Court.

Ms. Jutatip was wanted under warrant no. จ.143/2568, dated 13 February 2025, on charges of conspiracy to commit drug offences, possession of a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine) with intent to sell, and consumption of a Category 1 narcotic. Mr. Saknarong was sought under warrant no. 66/2568, dated 28 January 2025, for heroin trafficking.

Prior to the arrests, police had seized 7 kilograms of heroin, valued at over 7 million baht, at a hotel in Phuket. Subsequent investigations led to the discovery that the drugs were linked to a trafficking ring headed by a Nigerian national known only as “Mark.” The syndicate had been smuggling heroin to third countries including Hong Kong and India.

Evidence suggests that the suspects had previously been hired by Mark to transport heroin from Vientiane, Laos, to international buyers, earning 100,000 baht per trip. With sufficient evidence of their involvement, authorities obtained warrants and eventually located the pair in southern Thailand.

Both suspects reportedly confessed during interrogation. They have been handed over to Thalang Police Station in Phuket for further legal proceedings.

-- 2025-04-12