Thai authorities have arrested a Nigerian national accused of heading a suspected cocaine trafficking operation in the country after a late-night police operation in Bangkok.
The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Ike Azubuike, was taken into custody on Tuesday outside a luxury condominium on Rama III Road in Bangkok’s Yannawa district. The arrest was carried out during a police operation dubbed “Clipping the Wings of the Dodorima Boss.”
According to reports by Bangkok Post, the operation was jointly conducted by Thailand’s Metropolitan Police Bureau and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board following weeks of investigations into an alleged transnational criminal network linked to cocaine trafficking and financial crimes.
Police said the operation resulted in the seizure of cocaine, cash, funds held in bank accounts, a vehicle and other assets valued at more than 700,000 baht, estimated at about N29 million.
Investigators traced the case to a May 22 operation at a luxury condominium near Phra Nang Klao Bridge in Nonthaburi, where six foreign nationals were arrested over their alleged involvement in a romance scam scheme.
Authorities said evidence obtained during that raid pointed to a larger cocaine trafficking network, with more than 300 million baht allegedly moving through the organisation’s operations.
Police identified Azubuike as the alleged head of a group known as Dodorima, described by investigators as an African-linked criminal syndicate operating within Thailand.
Authorities accused Azubuike of unlawfully possessing and distributing cocaine, which is classified as a Category 2 narcotic under Thai law. He was also accused of resisting arrest. Investigators disclosed that additional charges relating to money laundering may be filed as the investigation progresses.
According to investigators, the suspect had resided in Thailand for over seven years and frequently travelled between the Southeast Asian nation and Africa.
Authorities further alleged that Azubuike progressed from selling cocaine in tourist locations to becoming a leading figure within the network.
Police estimated that accounts connected to the organisation handled more than 380 million baht in transactions over the past year.
Investigators also alleged that significant amounts of money were transferred from Thailand to Nigeria and claimed intelligence reports suggested part of the proceeds may have funded the construction of a mansion in Nigeria.
The Metropolitan Police Bureau said the inquiry was challenging because of the suspect’s close circle of associates and alleged efforts to hide financial transactions.
Authorities said they tracked Azubuike to a luxury residential complex in Bangkok before launching the arrest operation.
According to police, officers attempted to intercept his vehicle using a coordinated blockade, but the suspect allegedly reversed into police personnel in a bid to evade arrest.
Several officers were reportedly injured during the incident.
Metropolitan Police Bureau Deputy Commissioner, Pol Maj Gen Theeradej Thamsuthee, who oversaw the operation, said officers had no option but to act decisively.
Police later smashed the vehicle’s windows and disabled the engine before taking the suspect into custody.
A search of the vehicle allegedly yielded about 18 grammes of cocaine, while a follow-up search of his condominium reportedly uncovered cash and other valuable assets.
Investigators said they also found evidence allegedly linking the suspect to a wider transnational criminal network.
According to police, messages retrieved from a private group chat allegedly used by members of the organisation contained remarks ridiculing cocaine users. One message reportedly stated, “The powder they snort comes from our backsides.”
Authorities said the recovered communications have been added to the ongoing investigation.
Authorities said the recovered communications have been added to the ongoing investigation.
Following his arrest, Azubuike was transferred to Bang Phongphang Police Station for further legal proceedings. Assets seized under anti-money laundering regulations were handed over to the Office of the Narcotics Control Board for financial analysis and tracing.
During interrogation, investigators said the suspect partially admitted involvement with cocaine-related activities but denied allegations of money laundering.
According to police, Azubuike insisted that the group was involved in charitable projects financed through a legitimate fish-export business operating between Thailand and Nigeria.
He also reportedly challenged some of the characterisations of the organisation, telling investigators that the term “Dodorima” simply means “hello.”
Despite the suspect’s denial, Thai authorities described the arrest as a major success in their campaign against drug trafficking and financial crimes.
“The arrest represents a significant disruption to both drug trafficking and financial laundering activities connected to the organisation,” Pol Maj Gen Theeradej said.
He added that investigators would continue working with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board and international law-enforcement partners to trace financial flows and identify both Thai and foreign suspects allegedly linked to the network.
