Bangkok police have arrested a 48-year-old Nigerian man accused of carrying about 10.21 kilograms of heroin concealed in boxes of a well-known soap brand and plastic-wrapped packages.
Danial Okeke was stopped while driving a white Bangkok-registered Toyota Avanza at Ratchada-Tha Phra junction in Talat Phlu, Thon Buri, on 1 October. Police also allege that he entered Thailand illegally.
Soap boxes allegedly used to conceal drugs
The arrest followed an operation by Talat Phlu police investigators and traffic officers monitoring illegal activity in the area, police said. Officers reportedly became suspicious after seeing the Toyota arrive at the junction, with Okeke behind the wheel.
They identified themselves and searched the vehicle, where they found a large suitcase containing numerous soap boxes. Inside the boxes, officers said they found heroin wrapped in foil, with one to three packages in each box.
Police also found 70 plastic-wrapped heroin packages in a carrier bag. The drugs had a net weight of approximately 10.21kg.
Other seized items also included the large hand-luggage-style suitcase, two mobile phones and the Toyota Avanza.
Immigration allegation added to drug charge
Police said they did not find a passport when they checked Okeke’s documents. He reportedly gave his current address as Soi Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok 28/1, Prachathipat, Thanyaburi district, Pathum Thani.
He was initially charged with illegally selling a Category 1 narcotic, heroin, for commercial purposes and in a manner alleged to cause its spread among the public. He also faces an allegation of entering the Kingdom of Thailand unlawfully as a foreigner.
The operation was ordered by Pol Col Jatuphum Mudsakhen, superintendent of Talat Phlu Police Station; Pol Lt Col Kittisak Yimyaem, deputy superintendent for investigations; and Pol Lt Col Phaithoon Upala, deputy superintendent for traffic.
Okeke and the seized property were handed to Talat Phlu investigators for legal action. Police said they would continue investigating the alleged transnational drug-trafficking network.
