Bangkok: Metropolitan Police Bureau detectives conducted a raid on an illegal e-cigarette production and distribution center, resulting in the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of substantial evidence. Pol Maj Gen Chotiwat Luengwilai, Commander of the Investigation Division, led the operation, uncovering ready-made e-cigarettes, liquids, production equipment, and precursors, with some materials found to contain narcotics, in the Nawamin-Ram Intra area.
According to Thai News Agency, the operation commenced when Pol. Lt. Col. Chanon Banpakan, Deputy Director of News Analysis and Special Equipment, obtained a search warrant from the Criminal Court and Min Buri Criminal Court. The search targeted two houses in Soi Prasertmanukit, Nuanchan Subdistrict, Bueng Kum District, and a house in Ram Intra - Ring Road 2, Tha Raeng Subdistrict, Bang Khen District, Bangkok. Officers arrested two Chinese nationals, Mr. Suphanat and Mr. Jinming Xie, on charges of violating the Consumer Protection Board's order by selling banned products, including disposable e-cigarettes and liquid refills, and for concealing and trading prohibited goods under the Customs Act B.E. 2560. The raid yielded more than 10,000 disposable e-cigarettes, over 6,250 packaging boxes, and various electronic devices and packaging equipment. An expanded investigation into the Watcharapol area revealed narcotics-laced e-cigarette liquids.
Subsequently, police from the Crime Suppression Division 2, led by Pol. Col. Sittisak Nakamat, searched two additional houses in Tha Raeng Subdistrict, Bang Khen District, leading to the arrest of three more individuals: Ms. Netnapha, 37, Mr. Thanakorn, 46, and Mr. Prachya, 33. They were suspected of illegally producing e-cigarette liquid. Seized evidence included a mixing machine, chemicals, smoke liquid, flavoring liquids, and over 20,000 e-cigarette liquid cartridges.
Initial investigations confirmed the presence of narcotics in the e-cigarette liquids. All suspects face charges similar to the initial arrests, including violating the Consumer Protection Board's order and concealing banned goods under the Customs Act. The discovery of narcotics in the e-cigarette liquids will prompt further legal action.
The suspects were taken to Khok Khram Metropolitan Police Station for further legal proceedings. This operation marks a significant crackdown on e-cigarette crimes by the Metropolitan Police Bureau, highlighting the public health risks posed by narcotics-laced e-cigarette liquids.