Thai Police Seize ₦67m Hidden in Nigerian’s Bathroom Ceiling During Drug Raid

Thai police have arrested a Nigerian man, Nwaiwu Ifeanyi, after discovering a large stash of cash hidden inside the ceiling of his bathroom during a coordinated operation in Bangkok.

According to Khaosod English, the night raid on Saturday led officers to approximately 1.5 million baht—over ₦67 million—concealed in the suspect’s residence.

Ifeanyi, 46, is accused of supplying cocaine within Bangkok. He was arrested near Silom Soi 1 after being tracked by law enforcement. At the point of arrest, officers reportedly found about 27 grams of cocaine on him.

Three other suspects linked to the same network were also arrested. They include Swiss national Thomas Giubibini and two Thai nationals, Thanayot Asawamethi and Nattawat Wangkitjinda, who were taken into custody on drug possession charges.

Police said the total seizure from the operation included about 30 grams of cocaine, a vehicle, 1.5 million baht in cash, foreign currency worth around 15,000 baht, and jewellery valued at approximately 400,000 baht.

Investigators stated that Ifeanyi had lived in Thailand for over 17 years on a family visa obtained through marriage to a Thai citizen. Authorities are now examining whether the marriage was used to secure legal residency for illicit activity.

Security officials also alleged that drug transactions linked to the suspect were coordinated through encrypted messaging platforms, which were later monitored and used to track the network.

During the arrest, Ifeanyi reportedly resisted but was eventually restrained by officers. Investigators say he later admitted involvement in the allegations.

The arrest comes less than three months after another Nigerian, Ukoma Nuzbech, was detained in Thailand over alleged cocaine trafficking and later accused of breaching bail conditions while still involved in drug activity.