A 47-year-old Nigerian man identified only as Patrick has been arrested in Thailand over allegations of running a cocaine smuggling network in the Southeast Asian country. 

The Thai police said Sunday’s arrest of the suspect described as a drug kingpin led to the seizure of 0.87 gram of cocaine estimated to worth $74,800.

Police officers stated that about 2.4 million baht in cash was found hidden in the bathroom ceiling of the suspect’s apartment in Bangkok’s Bang Rak district during a search.  

The Thai PBS World reported that the suspect said the money was from Nigeria and kept for safekeeping and not concealment. He was also said to have admitted to the multiple charges against him including being in possession of cocaine with intent to sell.

A video posted by CNA showed the suspect running to board a waiting black minivan when led out of his apartment before he was chased and caught by the Thai cops.

According to the TPW, the suspect was arrested at 11pm on Sunday after officers monitored his movements that day following intense intelligence about his drug business for over 17 years.

The suspect during interrogation broke down in tears, pleading to be deported back to Nigeria, saying he didn’t want to die in Thai prison.

He pleaded in a video released by the police, saying “Please deport me to Nigeria. I don’t want to die in Thai prison.”

Also, the Thai authorities alleged that the Nigerian who claimed to be a pastor has been living in Thailand for almost 20 years and married to a Thai woman; a union authorities described as a sham marriage to maintain legal status in the country. 

Reports further noted that he was arrested alongside three accomplices a 60-year-old Swiss man, Thomas, in Nonthaburi province and two Thai nationals; Yot, 35; and Nat, 34; both detained in the Rama III area of Bangkok.

Some Nigerians linked to cocaine smuggling were arrested in Thailand a few years ago, fuelling speculations of their membership of the suspect’s drug cartel.

The punishment for smuggling drugs in Thailand ranges from years-long prison terms, life imprisonment to death sentence depending on the severity of the case. 

The arrest sparked reactions on social media about Nigeria, with many commenters claiming that Nigerians were responsible for most crimes committed by foreigners abroad.

“Won’t trend! Cause it wasn’t in SA! If it were, the comment section would already be calling us xenophobic,” an Instagram user @stufu_zah commented.

Another user @kerryzik stated “0.87 ofcocaine, it could be the man is helping Nigerians without documents to be keeping their money or sending money home.”

In her opinion, @agacialim4939 said, “He is afraid of dying in Thai prison and what about you selling drugs that kills many. U are considered lucky being caught after two decades that let you enjoy your life in peace for the past years.”

Also, @anunuebematias accused Nigerians of responsible for the influx of drugs in African countries, stating “These people have flooded the whole African countries with drugs. First they set up a small spare parts business to cover up.”

Another commentator, @ijongo_core, canvassed a similar opinion, claiming that “Nigerians sell drugs or do fraud, that’s what they do everywhere else but in their own country… everywhere you go they own a street or block.. from Greenland to the moon.”