Chonburi Police Raid Major E-Cigarette and Vape Liquid Warehouse Worth Over US$920,000

Key Points

• Raid Time: 3 p.m., November 14, 2025 (local time) at a residential-warehouse property in downtown Chonburi.
• Suspects: Chinese nationals Zhao Lei and Yao Qinglin , alleged to be key figures in an illicit vape and e-hookah distribution network.
• Seized Goods: Tens of thousands of items across more than 40 product types; total value ≈ ฿30 million (≈ US$920,000).
• Operations: The premises featured segregated storage, packaging and inventory systems, serving as a production and distribution hub for Chonburi and neighboring areas.
• Charges: Violating the Consumer Product Safety Board ban on vape and e-hookah production and sales; possession and sale of prohibited or untaxed goods; importing without customs clearance.

2Firsts — November 17, 2025 — According to Manager Online, Chonburi provincial police conducted a joint operation at around 3 p.m., raiding a residential property converted into a warehouse in Chonburi City. Two Chinese suspects — Zhao Lei and Yao Qinglin— were arrested for allegedly operating a major network for the production and distribution of e-cigarettes, vape liquids, and electronic hookahs (baraku faifah, บารากู่ไฟฟ้า).

Authorities found over 40 categories of contraband, including thousands of vapes, large quantities of e-liquids, manufacturing and packaging equipment, and other prohibited goods. If distributed to the market, the total value would exceed ฿30 million (≈ US$920,000). The house was organized as a centralized warehouse with segregated storage zones and stock management, indicating a systematic supply operation spanning Chonburi and adjacent provinces.

Samples of the vape liquids have been sent to the Forensic Science Division 2 for chemical analysis; if any illegal substances are detected, additional charges will be filed. The initial charges include violating the Consumer Product and Service Safety Board’s ban on manufacturing and selling vapes and e-hookahs, concealing and selling prohibited or tax-evaded goods, and importing products without customs clearance. Both suspects were transferred to Chonburi City Police Station for legal processing.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Chatchai Surachetphong Commander of Provincial Police Region 2, stated that the police will continue their crackdown on illegal electronic cigarette and hookah networks in line with the Thai government and Royal Thai Police policy, to ensure public safety. He also warned that individual possession and use of such products remain illegal.

Image source: Manager Online