A Nigerian national identified as Mr. Patric, 47, has been arrested in Bangkok as part of a police operation targeting a cocaine trafficking network, with officers seizing drugs and assets worth millions of baht. The suspect, described as a key figure in the distribution of cocaine in Thailand, was detained on 18 April 2026 near Soi Silom 1 in the Bang Rak district. Authorities also arrested three additional suspects and confiscated cocaine, cash, and other assets during the coordinated raids.

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The operation was led by senior officers including Pol Lt Gen Siam Boonsom, Pol Lt Gen Aachayon Kraitong, and Pol Maj Gen Thiradet Thamsuthee, alongside narcotics suppression units and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board. Mr. Patric faces five counts related to the illegal possession and distribution of a Category 2 narcotic (cocaine) for commercial purposes. Police said he had lived in Thailand for over 17 years, allegedly using a sham marriage to a Thai national to remain in the country.

Further arrests included Mr. Thomas, 60, a Swiss national found with 0.87 grams of cocaine in Nonthaburi, and two Thai nationals, Yot, 35, and Nat, 34, who were detained in Bangkok. The latter two were charged with joint possession of cocaine without permission. In total, officers seized approximately 30 grams of cocaine, a vehicle, around 1.5 million baht in cash, foreign currency and additional assets valued at over 400,000 baht.

The investigation stemmed from intelligence gathered throughout 2025 and early 2026, with officers spending around four months building the case. Surveillance on 18 April 2026 revealed a drug transaction, leading to Mr. Patric’s arrest at approximately 23:00. During a search of his residence, officers discovered over one million baht hidden above a bathroom ceiling.

Police reported that Mr. Patric initially did not cooperate and later experienced leg cramps during the arrest. He subsequently broke down in tears and pleaded to return home, stating he did not want to grow old in a Thai prison. He admitted the charges, saying he was shocked to be caught and claimed the hidden money had been brought from Nigeria and was being stored rather than concealed.

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

Authorities stated the arrest significantly disrupts a major drug network operating in Thailand and that further investigations are ongoing to identify additional suspects. Seized assets have been transferred to the Office of the Narcotics Control Board for legal proceedings.

Khaosod reported that all suspects have been handed over to investigators at Thung Maha Mek Police Station, Chaiyaphruek Police Station, and Bang Phong Phang Police Station for prosecution under Thai law.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 20 Apr 2026

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Mr. Patric...?

Sounds like he might once have taught English, or something.

And, how many years will they give him for his sham marriage, I wonder.

And, how to tell if it was a sham or not?

Hahahahahah Omg.....as I was starting to read this story all that came to mind was a bunch of police running down the road chasing buddy.

The video did not disappoint...was such a pleasure to watch. Sweet.

Patric your Irish luck finally ran out !

I've always wondered what some of this lowlife did for a living in Pattaya. He got away with it for 17 years.

lock him up throw away the key - scum

Down by Suk 4 ol boy was probably doing big biz, locals, tourists......

No cries of racism or claims that he 'dindu nuffin' like it seen on American cop videos. He took it like a man. Thaksin knew how to deal with that element of society.

13 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

how many years will they give him for his sham marriage, I wonder

None probably, as his visa will be revoked and the drugs charges will be more severe than immigration charges.

1 hour ago, flaming dragon said:

No cries of racism or claims that he 'dindu nuffin' like it seen on American cop videos. He took it like a man. Thaksin knew how to deal with that element of society.

So true, Thaksin contrarily to what many believe, is a very intelligent and good business man. He will be released from jail next month. Anutin has a history of derogatory statements against foreigners and is accused of several corruption schemes concerning his Blue Party. Nothing has been done about the Senate money laundering evidence so far produced by the DSI in which the Blue Party has been implicated. I have heard nothing about an effort by Anutin since his election about preventing these kinds of people from poisoning the good folks of Thailand.

58 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

None probably, as his visa will be revoked and the drugs charges will be more severe than immigration charges.

I was very disappointed when I saw him crying, and weeping, in handcuffs.

For a man his size, this was a real letdown.

17 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

He subsequently broke down in tears and pleaded to return home, stating he did not want to grow old in a Thai prison.

life is full of consequences buttercup!

14 hours ago, Screaming said:

So true, Thaksin contrarily to what many believe, is a very intelligent and good business man. He will be released from jail next month. Anutin has a history of derogatory statements against foreigners and is accused of several corruption schemes concerning his Blue Party. Nothing has been done about the Senate money laundering evidence so far produced by the DSI in which the Blue Party has been implicated. I have heard nothing about an effort by Anutin since his election about preventing these kinds of people from poisoning the good folks of Thailand.

I'm blissfully uninformed about Thai politics and aim to keep it that way. I do remember Thaksin's approach to drug dealers back in 2006 or so. I also remember some Thai politician calling foreigners dirty. My own government back home did that and far worse to my kind during that era. Now the only remnants are defibrillators all over the place and young'uns dropping from heart attacks.