Thai Police Raid Illegal Vape Operation, Seize Over 20,000 Products

Key points:

·Police Operation: Thai police in Bangkok arrested Chinese suspect Ham, seizing 20,000 e-cigarette components, 1,000 pods, approximately 38 liters of e-liquid, and 2.8 grams of ketamine. 

·Suspect's confession: Ham admitted to being hired to deliver goods through an application, and authorities are now investigating the mastermind behind the operation. 

·Legal charges: Ham faces multiple charges, including concealing and selling prohibited goods as well as unauthorized possession of a Schedule II drug (ketamine). 

·Other actions: On July 23, Bangkok police confiscated a large quantity of illegal e-cigarettes, valued at over 3 million baht (approximately $90,000), and arrested suspect Chayut.

[2Firsts News Flash] According to Thethaiger report on July 31st, Thai police arrested a Chinese suspect named Ham in an apartment in Bangkok on July 29th and seized over 20,000 e-cigarette components, including over 1,000 pods for sale, around 38 liters of e-liquid, and 2.8 grams of ketamine.

This operation stemmed from the earlier arrest of a Thai national suspected of selling the controlled substance etomidate. Etomidate is classified as a Category II drug. Following a police investigation, the production base was discovered and a search warrant was executed on the apartment, revealing these illegal substances.

With the assistance of a translator, Ham confessed that he was hired by an acquaintance to deliver ordered goods through an application. Currently, the police are investigating to identify the mastermind behind the scenes.

Ham is facing multiple charges, including concealing and selling prohibited goods under sections 242 and 246(1) of the Customs Act. These charges are related to a 2014 announcement by the Thai Ministry of Commerce that classified pipes and e-cigarettes as items banned from import. Additionally, Ham is accused of violating a 2015 order from the Consumer Protection Commission by selling or providing e-cigarettes and related products without authorization and possessing ketamine, a controlled substance, without permission.

Ham and the seized items have been turned over to the police station for legal proceedings to begin.

Meanwhile, on July 23rd, Bangkok police also raided a warehouse and seized a large quantity of illegal e-cigarettes, estimated to be worth over 3 million Thai baht (approximately $90,000). These e-cigarettes are suspected to be intended for purchase by minors. After receiving a tip-off, the police quickly obtained a search warrant, searched the rented warehouse, confiscated the illegal inventory, and arrested the 29-year-old suspect, Chayut.