A Thailand-based Nigerian, Ukoma Jefta Nuzbech, has been arrested after allegedly fleeing an ongoing trial over his involvement in a drug-peddling case in the Koh Pha Ngan area of the country.
It was learnt from a report obtained from the Thailand News website on Sunday that Nuzbech was re-arrested on January 14 following a tip-off regarding his whereabouts.
According to the report, the suspect was first arrested in March 2025 after he allegedly sold 25.71 grams of cocaine to an undercover police officer.
He was, however, released on bail pending his appearance in court, but instead of honouring the court summons, he allegedly went into hiding and continued dealing in drugs.
The report noted that during his re-arrest, exhibits such as suspected cocaine, a mobile phone, and cash were recovered from him.
The report read, “Nuzbech was originally arrested in March last year for delivering 25.71 grams of cocaine to an undercover officer. Released on bail, he subsequently failed to appear in court and went into hiding, allegedly continuing to sell drugs between Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan.
“Police stopped the white Mitsubishi Mirage he was travelling in and, after he resisted arrest, forcibly entered the vehicle. Inside, officers found 1.18 grams of cocaine, 50,280 baht in cash, and a mobile phone containing messages related to drug transactions.
It added that Nuzbech now risks a jail term of up to 10 years if found guilty of the offence.
“Nuzbech now faces charges of possession with intent to sell, which carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to one million baht if convicted.
“Police are expanding their investigation to identify possible accomplices and determine the full scope of the drug network involved,” the report added.
Nuzbech is not the first Nigerian to be arrested in Thailand over offences related to drug peddling.
