Thai authorities have arrested a Nigerian national accused of leading a major cocaine trafficking network following a dramatic late-night operation in Bangkok.
The suspect, Ikenna Patrick Azubuike, 36, was apprehended on June 9 outside a luxury condominium on Rama III Road in Bangkok’s Yannawa district.
The operation, conducted by officers of Thailand’s Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) and the Bangkok branch of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), was code-named “Clipping the Wings of the Dodorima Boss.”
Police charged Azubuike with possession and sale of cocaine, a Category 2 narcotic under Thai law, without authorisation, as well as resisting arrest. Authorities said additional money-laundering charges are being considered.
According to investigators, the operation resulted in the seizure of cocaine, cash, bank funds, a vehicle and other assets valued at more than 700,000 baht.
The arrest followed weeks of investigation that began on May 22 after police raided a luxury condominium in Nonthaburi allegedly linked to a romance scam syndicate, leading to the arrest of six foreign nationals.
Subsequent investigations reportedly uncovered links between the scam operation and a cocaine trafficking network believed to have handled more than 300 million baht in transactions.
Authorities said the network operated under the name “Dodorima” and was suspected of being affiliated with a larger international criminal organisation.
Investigators identified Azubuike as the alleged leader of the group’s operations in Thailand.
Police said he had lived in Thailand for more than seven years and frequently travelled between the Southeast Asian country and Africa.
According to investigators, Azubuike began as a street-level cocaine dealer in tourist areas before allegedly rising through the ranks of the organisation.
Authorities estimated that more than 380 million baht flowed through accounts linked to the network over the past year.
Police also alleged that substantial sums were transferred abroad, including to Nigeria.
The Metropolitan Police Bureau said the suspect relied on trusted associates and sophisticated methods to conceal financial transactions and evade detection.
During the arrest operation, officers attempted to block Azubuike’s vehicle as he entered a condominium complex.
Police alleged that he reversed into officers in an attempt to escape, injuring several personnel.
The operation commander, Pol Maj Gen Theeradej Thamsuthee, then ordered officers to disable the vehicle, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
A search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered about 18 grammes of cocaine, while a subsequent search of his residence led to the seizure of cash and other assets.
Investigators said they later uncovered information suggesting links to a wider transnational criminal network.
During interrogation, Azubuike reportedly admitted partial involvement in cocaine-related activities but denied allegations of money laundering.
He maintained that the group’s activities were centred on charitable projects funded through a fish export business between Thailand and Nigeria.
Authorities have transferred the seized assets to the ONCB for further investigation and tracing under anti-money laundering regulations.
Thai police said investigations were continuing and vowed to work with international partners to identify and apprehend additional suspects linked to the network.
“The MPB will continue working with the ONCB and international agencies to trace financial flows and bring all accomplices to justice,” Theeradej said.
