Songkhla: The 437th Border Patrol Police's Changsuek team, in collaboration with the Ratthaphum District Administration, conducted a raid on a significant illegal kratom production plant that allegedly assured customers of protection from arrest due to purported connections with government officials.
According to Thai News Agency, the Changsuk Song Le team, together with the administration of Rattaphum District, targeted the illegal kratom leaf production facility located in Village 1, Tambon Khuan Ru, Amphoe Rattaphum, Songkhla Province. This plant was a key player in the region, secretly boiling kratom leaf water for distribution in Rattaphum District and nearby areas. During the raid, authorities found freshly boiled kratom leaf water being prepared for bottling by two individuals, Ms. Rainap, 48, and Mr. Anuwat, 19.
The operation uncovered a significant amount of kratom water, both freshly boiled and ready for bottling in various sizes, including 350 ml, 600 ml, 830 ml, and 1,500 ml bottles, totaling approximately 868 liters. The facility was in poor condition, with boiling processes taking place amidst dirt and sand. Equipment seized included pans, pots, basins, gas, accelerators, tea bags, funnels, 38 bottles of cough syrup, and 27 packs of illegal cigarettes.
Both individuals confessed to producing and selling kratom leaf water to local teenagers and kratom shops in Rattaphum and surrounding districts. The prices ranged from 20 baht for 35 ml bottles to 100 baht for 1,500 ml bottles. They claimed to have connections with government officials, providing assurances to customers regarding the safety of their transactions.
The suspects were taken to Ratthaphum Police Station to face multiple charges: possession of prescription drugs (cough syrup) for sale without permission, distributing food containing kratom without permission in violation of the Ministry of Public Health's regulations, and involvement in hiding or selling goods known to be illegally imported or not cleared through customs.