Police in Bangkok arrested a major cocaine dealer on Friday, ending her 10-year operation, which had previously evaded capture through connections via her Nigerian ex-husband. Many of her clients were reportedly from elite circles.
Kanyapaphat “Nam” Phatwaratthaya, 38, was taken into custody while delivering drugs near an ice hockey rink on Soi Pridi Phanomyong 37 in the Khlong Tan Nuea area of Watthana district, Deputy Chief of the Metropolitan Police, Pol Maj Gen Theeradej Thamsuthee, said on Saturday.
Her right-hand man and four customers were also arrested, with authorities seizing 250 grams of cocaine and assets valued at 6.2 million baht.
The arrests followed an expanded operation after police dismantled a West African drug network linked to her ex-husband in Bangkok’s Nana area late last year, Pol Maj Gen Theeradej added.
Police did not provide details on the arrest of Kanyapaphat’s ex-husband, though reports indicate a Nigerian dealer was detained at an entertainment venue in October, allegedly selling drugs with the involvement of a Thai wife.
Investigators said Kanyapaphat admitted to long-term involvement with West African gangs and knowledge of sources for cheap cocaine. Using her ex-husband’s connections and discreet delivery methods, she became a major supplier and had never been caught.
Her sales records revealed numerous clients from Thai high society, Pol Maj Gen Theeradej said, noting that cocaine is both expensive and popular among affluent users. Authorities said the seized client ledger would be investigated further, and anyone found involved would face prosecution regardless of social standing.
Police also searched Kanyapaphat’s condominium in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan, seizing a Toyota Alphard Hybrid van, a Mazda CX-30, a Mazda 2, 10 gold bars, gold necklaces, and more than 30 luxury-brand items. Her bank accounts, totaling over 800,000 baht, were also frozen.