Key Points
- Where: Bangkok, Thailand (Nawamin and Lat Krabang)
- Seized: ~500 IQOS devices; TEREA sticks exceeding 100,000 units (plus additional stock pending verification)
- Value: Over 30 million baht (≈ US$960,000, at 1 THB = US$0.032)
- Arrests: 3 suspects (roles include online admin and stock handling/delivery)
- Next steps: Trace upstream importers/financiers; coordinate with customs and excise authorities
2Firsts, FEB 2, 2026
According to Khaosod, Bangkok Metropolitan Police announced a major bust targeting an online sales network for illicit vaping and heated-tobacco products. Officers raided two warehouse locations in Bangkok’s Nawamin and Lat Krabang areas, seizing IQOS ILUMA i devices and TEREA heated-tobacco sticks with a total estimated value of over 30 million baht (about US$960,000).
Police said the raids stemmed from follow-up investigations after a Jan. 27 case involving seized vaping products at a condominium in the Rama III area. The first raid targeted a two-storey house in the Nawamin 74 area, where officers arrested suspects alleged to be managing orders and distribution. Authorities reported finding around 500 IQOS devices and roughly 4,300 cartons of heated-tobacco sticks — estimated at about 800,000 sticks — valued at around 10 million baht (about US$320,000). Empty boxes inside the property suggested large volumes had already been shipped.
Investigators said one suspect acted as an online administrator handling customers, while another handled deliveries and shipments via private logistics providers. Order sizes reportedly ranged from 30 to 200 units per shipment. One suspect allegedly admitted working in the operation for about two years, earning 15,000 baht per month (about US$480). Police said they would expand the investigation to identify financiers and higher-level organizers.
A second raid later the same day in Lat Krabang uncovered more stock: over 200 crates containing more than 100,000 units of TEREA sticks, valued at around 20 million baht (about US$640,000). Police said the site appeared to function as a bulk storage hub feeding the Nawamin distribution point, and that the goods were suspected to have entered Thailand by sea without proper customs clearance.
Thailand’s excise officials said the case also raises potential violations under excise regulations for goods held or sold without taxes paid. They estimated the relevant excise exposure at about 6.28 million baht (about US$200,960), with potential penalties ranging from five to fifteen times the tax amount. Authorities said they would coordinate with customs to trace the import and supply chain.
Photo credit: khaosod
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