Thai authorities have formally charged a Nigerian national, Ikenna Patrick Azubuike, with illegal possession and distribution of cocaine as well as resisting arrest following a dramatic operation in Bangkok.
The 36-year-old suspect, also known as “Patrick,” was arrested by officers of the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) working alongside the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) during a late-night raid targeting alleged transnational criminal activities.
Police said Azubuike was apprehended outside a luxury condominium on Rama III Road in Bangkok’s Yannawa district after allegedly attempting to evade arrest.
According to investigators, officers moved to intercept the suspect as he arrived at his residence. However, Azubuike reportedly tried to escape by reversing his vehicle into police cars that had blocked his path.
The confrontation left several officers injured before security personnel smashed the vehicle’s windows, disabled the engine, and took him into custody. Authorities later conducted searches of his car and apartment as part of the ongoing investigation.
Thai intelligence agencies allege that Azubuike served as a regional leader for “Dodorima,” a criminal network reportedly made up of West African operatives active across Southeast Asia. Investigators claim the group is involved in large-scale cocaine trafficking and cyber-enabled fraud operations.
Officials further alleged that evidence linking romance scam activities to the suspect emerged during a separate investigation into an alleged scam hub in Nonthaburi. Digital records recovered during the operation reportedly connected the fraud network to the group’s drug distribution activities.
Financial investigators estimate that more than 380 million Thai Baht moved through accounts linked to the network over the past year. Authorities are examining the flow of funds as part of a broader money laundering investigation.
Police reports indicate that Azubuike had lived in Thailand for more than seven years. During that period, he allegedly rose from a street-level drug dealer to a key figure overseeing regional logistics and supplying high-end clients.
Investigators also claim the network used charitable activities, community outreach programmes, and a company involved in exporting dried fish to Nigeria as fronts to conceal illicit financial transactions.
During questioning, Azubuike reportedly admitted involvement in narcotics-related activities but denied allegations of money laundering. He maintained that his wealth was generated through legitimate seafood export businesses.
Thai authorities said additional charges are being prepared under the country’s anti-money laundering laws. International law enforcement agencies are also reportedly working to identify and freeze assets linked to the suspected criminal network across multiple jurisdictions.
The case remains under investigation.
