Thai authorities have arrested a suspected Nigerian drug kingpin accused of leading a major cocaine trafficking network in the Southeast Asian country following a dramatic late-night operation in Bangkok, during which he allegedly attempted to force his way through a police blockade.
The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Ikenna Azubuike, was apprehended on Tuesday outside a luxury condominium on Rama III Road in Bangkok’s Yannawa district during an operation code-named “Clipping the Wings of the Dodorima Boss,” according to Bangkok Post.
Thailand’s Metropolitan Police Bureau and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board said the operation followed weeks of investigations into an alleged transnational criminal network suspected of involvement in cocaine trafficking and related financial crimes.
Authorities charged Azubuike with allegedly possessing and selling cocaine, classified as a Category 2 narcotic under Thai law, without authorisation, and with resisting arrest. Investigators said additional money-laundering charges were being considered as inquiries continue.
Police said the arrest led to the seizure of cocaine, cash, bank funds, a vehicle and other assets valued at more than 700,000 baht, estimated at about N29m.
According to investigators, the case originated from a May 22 raid on a luxury condominium near Phra Nang Klao Bridge in Nonthaburi, where six foreign nationals were arrested in connection with an alleged romance scam operation.
Thai police said evidence recovered during that operation revealed links to a wider cocaine trafficking network, with more than 300 million baht allegedly circulating through its activities.
Investigators identified Azubuike as the alleged leader of a group known as Dodorima, which authorities described as an African-linked criminal network operating in Thailand.
Police alleged that the suspect had lived in Thailand for more than seven years and travelled frequently between Thailand and Africa.
According to investigators, Azubuike allegedly rose from street-level cocaine distribution in tourist areas to become a key figure within the network.
Authorities estimated that more than 380 million baht passed through accounts linked to the organisation over the past year.
Investigators further alleged that substantial sums were transferred from Thailand to Nigeria and claimed intelligence reports suggested that some of the proceeds may have been used to finance the construction of a mansion in Nigeria.
The Metropolitan Police Bureau said the investigation was complicated by the suspect’s close network of associates and alleged efforts to conceal financial transactions.
Police said the arrest operation unfolded after investigators tracked Azubuike to a luxury condominium complex in Bangkok.
According to authorities, officers attempted to stop his vehicle using a coordinated blockade. However, the suspect allegedly reversed into police officers and attempted to escape.
Several officers reportedly sustained injuries during the confrontation.
Metropolitan Police Bureau Deputy Commissioner, Pol Maj Gen Theeradej Thamsuthee, who supervised the operation, said officers were forced to take decisive action.
Police subsequently smashed the vehicle’s windows and disabled its engine before taking the suspect into custody.
A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered about 18 grammes of cocaine, while a subsequent search of his condominium reportedly led to the recovery of cash and other assets.
Investigators also claimed to have uncovered evidence suggesting links to a broader transnational criminal network.
According to police, messages recovered from a private group chat allegedly used by members of the organisation included remarks mocking cocaine users. One message reportedly stated, “The powder they snort comes from our backsides.”
Authorities said the communications now form part of the ongoing investigation.
Following his arrest, Azubuike was transferred to Bang Phongphang Police Station for further legal proceedings, while assets seized under anti-money laundering regulations were handed over to the Office of the Narcotics Control Board for financial tracing.
During questioning, investigators said the suspect made partial admissions regarding involvement with cocaine but denied allegations of money laundering.
According to police, Azubuike maintained that the group’s activities centred on charitable projects funded through a legitimate fish-export business between Thailand and Nigeria.
He also reportedly disputed some of the descriptions of the organisation and told investigators that the term “Dodorima” simply means “hello.”
Despite the denial, Thai authorities described the arrest as a significant breakthrough.
“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.