A Nigerian national based in Thailand, Ukoma Jefta Nuzbech, has been taken back into custody after allegedly absconding from an ongoing court case linked to drug trafficking in the Koh Pha Ngan area.

According to information from Thai local media, Nuzbech was rearrested on January 14 after security operatives received intelligence on his location. He was initially apprehended in March 2025 for allegedly selling 25.71 grams of cocaine to an undercover law enforcement officer.

Following his first arrest, he was granted bail pending trial. However, authorities said he failed to appear in court as required and reportedly went underground, during which time he was alleged to have continued engaging in drug-related activities.

During the recent arrest operation, officers reportedly recovered suspected cocaine, cash, and a mobile phone believed to contain evidence of drug transactions. Thai police said the suspect was intercepted while travelling in a white Mitsubishi Mirage. He was said to have resisted arrest, prompting officers to force their way into the vehicle.

A search of the car allegedly led to the discovery of 1.18 grams of cocaine, 50,280 baht in cash, and a mobile phone containing messages believed to be connected to illicit drug sales. Investigators also claimed the communications pointed to a 29-year-old Thai woman whose bank account QR code was allegedly used to receive payments.

Authorities said Nuzbech is now facing charges related to possession of narcotics with intent to distribute, an offence that carries a possible prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of as much as one million baht if convicted. Police added that further investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals who may be linked to the operation and to uncover the full extent of the alleged drug network.

The incident is the latest in a series of drug-related arrests involving Nigerian nationals in Thailand. In a previous case reported late last year, another Nigerian was arrested after allegedly being caught selling drugs in the parking area of a hospital in Phuket.