A Nigerian identified as Ukoma Jefta Nuzbech has been arrested in Thailand months after allegedly jumping bail and absconding from trial for suspected drug trafficking in the Koh Pha Ngan region.
Reports monitored from Thailand News on Sunday indicated that Nuzbech was picked up on January 14 after authorities received intelligence on his movement.
His latest arrest comes nearly a year after he was first detained in March 2025 for allegedly selling 25.71 grams of cocaine to an undercover operative.
He was later granted bail but failed to return to court, prompting a manhunt.
Officials alleged that instead of remaining available for trial, he went underground and continued dealing narcotics across Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan.
Police said they intercepted a white Mitsubishi Mirage conveying the suspect and forcibly removed him when he resisted arrest.
A search of the vehicle reportedly yielded 1.18 grams of cocaine, a mobile phone and cash totalling 50,280 baht. Messages found in the phone allegedly linked his activities to a 29 year old Thai woman whose bank QR code was believed to have been used for payments.
Authorities said Nuzbech now faces fresh charges of possession with intent to sell.
However, if convicted, he could receive up to 10 years in prison and a fine of one million baht.
Investigators are said to be widening the probe to identify collaborators and unravel the alleged network.
