A Nigerian man who claimed to use magic to evade police was arrested in Ko Phangan. He had overstayed his visa for nearly nine years, was found with cocaine and revealed a sophisticated drug supply network.
A drug-dealing Nigerian national looks set to swap the comfort of a luxury hotel on Ko Phangan for a long stay at a Thai prison after his arrest on Saturday. Police swooped on the 47-year-old African in the corridor of his hotel as he got ready to hit the streets with another drug delivery. Strangely, the Nigerian claimed to have been aided by magic for the last nine years as he lived in Thailand illegally and played his part in a sophisticated drug dealing network.
Police in Ko Phangan on Saturday arrested a key player in a well-organised cocaine distribution syndicate. The network has links with Malaysia and operates on a disciplined basis.
The arrested man was 47-year-old Mr. Kenneth Nnwanelobi, who entered Thailand at the Songkhla Padang Besar border checkpoint on March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day 2015.
The Nigerian man was allowed to stay in Thailand until October 15, 2015.
Nigerian man overstayed visa by nearly nine years leading to his arrest on Saturday in Ko Phangan
Consequently, he had overstayed his visa for 3,214 days or nearly nine years. The arrest occurred at a luxury hotel in the heart of Ko Phangan. Police accosted Mr. Nnwanelobi in a corridor of the establishment.
After that, he fled back to his bedroom.
However, he was pursued and forcefully brought under control. At length, in the front pocket of the Nigerian’s trousers, police found cocaine wrapped in a ball of black plastic. In short, it weighed 21.4 grammes.
After that, a further 10.1 grams of the illicit Category 2 narcotic was unearthed. Similarly, this was also found in black plastic within a cylindrical container.
Arrest reveals drug network involving pre-arranged drop locations, disciplined operational roles and protocols
The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. Under interrogation, he told police that he used magic in the course of his work.
In addition, he explained how the Nigerian criminal network operated. Mr. Nnwanelobi’s job was to position cocaine at pre-appointed drop locations.
In turn, customers would be notified of where to find the drug.
He explained to police that each gang member had a function. For example, bringing the substance across the border, collecting money and controlling stocks of the expensive narcotic.
Gang members instructed to delete data to avoid detection if one group member is arrested by the police
In addition, he explained to police that gang members would be aware of his arrest. Therefore, they were instructed to delete all social media and messaging data immediately.
However, it is not clear if police retrieved the arrested man’s smartphone at the scene, which would have a full record of his activity.
The arrested man told police that he had a prayer mantra which he recited every time he left the hotel. In effect, he claimed it made him invisible to the police.
Police crackdown leads to significant arrest amid ongoing campaign against foreigners from 19-23 July
Nevertheless, officers on Saturday through some mysterious twist of fate, found Mr. Nnwanelobi.
The culprit is facing a visa overstay rap in addition to drug dealing and distribution charges as well as criminal gang membership. Police Lieutenant Colonel Winit Boonchit of Tourist Police Division 3 briefed the media.
Nigerian drug dealer betrayed in Phuket as local police receive tip-off that led them to his arrest
He said that an order was given for a crackdown on illegality from July 19-23 across 10 categories of crime. This came from the Tourism Police Chief, Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phuek.
In particular, police were tasked with apprehending foreigners in Surat Thani province working and operating in breach of the law.
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