Couple Arrested in Thailand for Involvement in Cocaine Trafficking Operation

Authorities in Koh Phangan, Thailand, have made significant strides in their fight against drug trafficking, resulting in the arrest of a Nigerian man, his Thai wife, and a Canadian individual linked to a transnational cocaine trafficking operation.

On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, police in Surat Thani province announced that they had collaborated with various agencies to dismantle the drug network following several patrols in the Ban Tai subdistrict.

At approximately 9:30 PM on Monday, officers from the Tourist Police apprehended a Canadian man, identified only as Mr. Kanan (surname withheld), who was riding a motorcycle in a suspicious manner while clad in black clothing and using a scarf to mask his face.

During a subsequent search, officials discovered two bags of cocaine concealed in a stainless steel container tucked within his sleeve, as well as methamphetamine-related items inside his accommodation.

Investigators found that phone records corroborated the arrangements for a drug delivery at the location of Kanan’s arrest.

When questioned, Kanan confessed to acquiring the drugs from an individual known by the alias “Maria KPG.”

Law enforcement officials then executed a sting operation to purchase two grams of cocaine from “Maria KPG.”

At the arranged meeting point, they intercepted a white sedan and arrested two additional suspects: 43-year-old John Chukwudi Ukadike, a Nigerian national, and his Thai partner, identified only as Mintra, whose surname remains undisclosed.

Cocaine wrapped in black tape was found hidden beneath the carpet in their vehicle.

Mintra later informed authorities that John did not have a consistent job, leading him to frequently supply drugs to tourists at night.

Kanan now faces charges for possession of cocaine with intent to sell, substance abuse, and operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs.

John and Mintra are facing charges of jointly selling cocaine for commercial purposes, and John faces an additional drug use charge.

The three suspects, along with the evidence collected, were transported to Koh Phangan police station to proceed with legal actions while investigations into related drug trafficking networks continue.