A Nigerian tourist was arrested for allegedly selling ketamine to foreigners in Thailand.

The suspected dealer, 38, reportedly supplied the hard drugs to other holidaymakers before he was detained by police in Bangkok on January 14.

Police launched a sting operation following reports that the man was selling the banned narcotic in the red-light Nana district of the city.

Undercover officers posed as willing buyers of 'ket' for 60,000 Baht (1,410 GBP) from the Nigerian, then during the transaction revealed themselves as law enforcement.

Police Lieutenant General Panumas Boonyalak, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, said the arrest came after around three months of monitoring the suspect's activities.

He said: 'The arresting police officers posed as customers at the suspect's shop to observe his movements. When he appeared to deliver the drugs to our undercover agent, the other officers went into the store to arrest him.'

The cops seized 50 grams of ketamine divided into 30 clear plastic packs wrapped in duct tape. A follow-up search of the Nigerian's room found some cash believed to be from drug sales, more plastic bags and duct tape that was also confiscated as evidence.

Police said chemical tests have verified the tourist had been selling ketamine.

The suspected dealer allegedly admitted selling the drug and was handed over to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau for further legal action.

Under Thai law, Ketamine is classed as a 'Schedule 2' drug. Offenders face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 100,000 Baht for possession. While those convicted of dealing can be jailed for up to 20 years, depending on the amount they were caught, the scale of the operation and their co-operation with officials.