Crackdown on Illegal E-cigarette Trade in Phuket: 7 Arrested
According to a report from Phuket News on January 18th, local government officials in Bangla Road, Phuket, Thailand conducted a surprise operation on Wednesday (January 17th) to crackdown on illegal e-cigarette device transactions and uncover activities related to hookah sales. Seven individuals were arrested for their involvement in these illegal activities. While the Patong Police has not yet released an official statement, the operation is believed to be aimed at curtailing illegal activities in the Bangla Road area, particularly those connected to the sale of e-cigarette devices and hookahs.
The report indicates that among the seven arrested individuals, one is a foreigner who is connected to the ownership of the premises involved in the illegal sale of these items. However, the nationality and other details of the detainees were not disclosed in the report.
Although the sale and use of e-cigarette devices and their related e-liquid are quite common on the island of Phuket, these actions are considered illegal throughout Thailand. According to the 2017 law, the Customs Act, Sections 242 and 246 strictly prohibit the entry of these devices into the country.
Similarly, shisha smoking is very popular in Phuket, but according to regulations implemented by the Ministry of Commerce in 2014, providing these items is strictly illegal. Those caught possessing these goods would face charges of illegally importing Thai merchandise.
In addition, a major crackdown was carried out in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province as part of the recent anti-human trafficking operation (ATP) in Thailand. ATP personnel apprehended a private distribution center, resulting in the seizure of 60,500 units of contraband and the recovery of confiscated goods with a total value exceeding 10 million Thai baht (approximately 281,000 USD).
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