Wickford man arrested in Thailand after years-long drug investigation

Essex Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit is investigating a suspected drug trafficking network, focusing on the wholesale supply of cocaine in the south-east of England.

The investigation specifically focused on trafficking in Class A and B drugs between July 2021 and May 2022.

As a result of this ongoing work in collaboration with the National Crime Agency, the Royal Thai Police and the Central Investigations Bureau, a significant arrest was made on Sunday in the Thai province of Phuket.

Arrest – the man now faces extradition to Great Britain (Image: Essex Police)

The 28-year-old man from Wickford was taken into custody and now faces extradition proceedings in cooperation with the Thai Attorney General’s Office.

Detective Inspector Yoni Adler of the SOCU said: “We have worked closely with partners at the National Crime Agency and thank Thai law enforcement authorities who have made an important arrest in this case.

“It is the result of good cooperation between several authorities and a lengthy process of gathering information.

“My team is focused on dismantling and disrupting the organised criminal networks that are behind and fuelling the damaging drug trade across Essex.”