Bangkok: Metropolitan Police conducted a significant raid on an e-cigarette warehouse in Bang Khae, seizing evidence valued at 30 million baht, and are intensifying efforts to apprehend the owner. Pol. Lt. Col. Chotiwat Luengwilai, Commander of the Investigation Division, Metropolitan Police Bureau, led the operation alongside officers from the Metropolitan Police Investigation and Phetkasem Police Station.
According to Thai News Agency, the police executed the raid using a search warrant issued by the Thonburi Criminal Court, No. Kor. 63/2568, dated 28 February 2568. The operation targeted a 4-storey commercial building on Kanlapaphruek Road, Bang Khae Subdistrict and District, Bangkok, following a tip-off about the site being used for smuggling illegal goods to bypass customs laws.
The raid uncovered 343,600 pieces of e-cigarette liquid heads and 10,000 ready-to-smoke e-cigarettes. The lower floor warehouse contained 568 boxes, totaling 227,200 pieces worth 22,720,000 baht, while the upper floor held 116,400 pieces worth 11,640,000 baht. Collectively, the evidence is estimated at 30 million baht.
During the search, a male suspect was found who admitted to working as a freelancer responsible for moving the goods. He acknowledged awareness of the nature of the goods and expressed remorse for his involvement.
Pol. Lt. Col. Chotiwat emphasized that the crackdown on e-cigarette liquids aligns with government policy, with directives from the national police chief for all units to address the issue urgently. The operation involved a collaboration of Metropolitan Police Bureau detectives, Investigation Division 9, and Phetkasem Police Station, who acted on intelligence about concealed e-cigarettes in the area, leading to the search warrant request.
The investigation revealed a storage area with various types and flavors of e-cigarette liquids, with more than 300,000 pieces valued over 30 million baht. These products were previously sold on shelves but have shifted to online platforms amid intensified suppression efforts. Further investigation is required to determine the source of importation, customs compliance, and the identity of the true owner. Authorities stressed the legal implications for youth possessing e-cigarettes under Section 246 of the Customs Act and related regulations.
All evidence has been seized to facilitate the ongoing investigation and prosecution of those involved, as law enforcement aims to dismantle the illicit operation.