Inside ‘Nana Shadow Bust’: How 8 Nigerians fell in Thailand’s midnight drug sting 

In the early hours of Sunday, October 26, Bangkok Metropolitan Police launched Operation Take Down Black-Shadow Nana, a covert narcotics sweep that took both tourists and locals in the Nana nightlife strip by storm, an area long whispered to be the hub of “drug gangs” and petty scams.

But this was no routine bust.

According to Bangkok Metropolitan Police (BMP) deputy commissioner, Pol Maj Gen Theeradet Thumsuthee, the 40-member tactical team disguised themselves as construction workers, wearing hard hats, dusty vests, and tool belts to blend into the district’s midnight bustle.

Their mission was to dismantle a street-level drug syndicate targeting tourists along Sukhumvit Soi 11 in the Watthana area.

From Online Complaints to Midnight Ambush

The operation was triggered by a wave of complaints on the ThailandTourism Facebook group, a 430,000-member travel forum where visitors shared warnings about “African men harassing tourists” and selling drugs near popular bars like Hillary 1 and The Australian Pub.

After two weeks of surveillance, officers moved in just after midnight. Within minutes, eight Nigerian men aged 23 to 41, and a 36-year-old Thai national, were arrested, some mid-transaction, others attempting to flee.

“They posed as harmless street-side talkers,” a senior narcotics officer said, “but the truth is, these men were running one of the most discreet tourist drug chains in Bangkok.”

Bodycam footage shows one suspect attempting to run through a side alley before being tackled to the ground by plainclothes detectives. No shots were fired.
Tourists nearby reportedly applauded as officers dragged the suspects into waiting vans.

The Drug Trail

Police identified the suspects as Onyekama Frankline (29), Onuoha Desmond (34), Nnawuke Lucky (29), Alahieobi Favour (35), Ubammadu Chibuzor (32), Amajioyi Chinaemeze (23), Udemgba Innocent (28), and Nwachukwu Chisom (41), all Nigerian nationals.

The Thai accomplice, Phanuwat Thanawet, allegedly served as their local fixer, coordinating deliveries and managing a stash apartment nearby.

During the raid, police recovered 4 grams of cocaine in two black-taped packets and 11 mobile phones used for encrypted drug chats on Telegram and WhatsApp.

At first glance, the bust seemed small, only a few grams seized but investigators say it’s part of a larger $300,000 ring feeding Bangkok’s nightlife through “body-packer” couriers.

According to BMP, many suspects had swallowed drug pellets upon arrival in Thailand. They later retrieved the cocaine, divided it into smaller wraps, and sold it to tourists, usually concealing a dose in their mouths.

“If police show up, they swallow the packet and run,” said one officer. “It’s dangerous, but it’s their insurance.”

‘Black-Shadow’ and the Hidden Network

BMP’s anti-drug unit says this syndicate was part of a loose network of West African dealers operating under various “shadow” groups that have turned Bangkok into a low-risk, high-profit hub for micro-trafficking.

The cocaine is believed to have originated from South America, routed through Nigeria and Europe before reaching Thailand via commercial couriers.

Officials say the group’s “mouth concealment” tactic was meant to avoid customs detection and police searches. The Thai accomplice handled local logistics — scouting buyers, securing accommodations, and collecting proceeds.

All suspects are being held at Lumpini Police Station and are expected to face charges under Thailand’s Narcotics Act for possession with intent to distribute a Category 1 drug an offence carrying 2 to 15 years imprisonment, fines up to ฿300,000 ($8,700), and deportation for foreigners.