BANGKOK, THAILAND — A raid on a condominium in Bangkok’s Rama 3 area has resulted in the arrest of a Chinese national and the seizure of a large cache of illegal vaping products and narcotics. The operation highlights the growing concern over the underground distribution of banned substances and unregulated e-cigarette products in Thailand.
Police identified the suspect as a Chinese man known only as Ham. He was apprehended inside the condominium unit where officers found a mix of illicit goods. The confiscated items included over 20,000 pieces of electronic cigarette components, more than 1,000 ready-to-sell vape pods, 10 gallons of e-cigarette liquid, and 2.8 grams of ketamine.
The bust followed an earlier arrest involving a Thai national caught selling vape pods allegedly laced with Etomidate, a type 2 narcotic. That arrest led investigators to a suspected production and storage site — the Rama 3 condominium. Armed with a search warrant, police raided the unit and uncovered what appeared to be a well-organized operation involving the repackaging and distribution of banned vape products.
During questioning — with the help of a translator — Ham reportedly told police that he was hired by an acquaintance to deliver the vape products, which were ordered via a mobile application. However, he could not identify the individual who employed him. Police believe Ham was a middleman in a wider distribution network, and investigations are ongoing to locate the masterminds behind the illegal enterprise.
Ham is now facing a range of legal charges. Under Sections 242 and 246, Paragraph 1 of the Customs Act, he is charged with the concealment and sale of prohibited goods. These violations pertain to the Ministry of Commerce’s 2014 announcement, which classifies hookahs and electronic cigarettes as banned import items.
In addition to customs violations, Ham is also charged with breaching a 2015 Consumer Protection Board order prohibiting the sale and distribution of electronic cigarettes and related components. Furthermore, he faces criminal charges for illegal possession of type 2 narcotics, namely ketamine, without proper authorization.
KhaoSod News reported that police are examining digital evidence from Ham’s phone and financial transactions in hopes of identifying other individuals linked to the operation. Authorities are particularly concerned about the growing trend of narcotics being mixed with vape products, posing significant public health risks.
All confiscated goods, along with the suspect, were transferred to Bang Phong Phang Police Station, where further legal proceedings are underway.
Thailand has strict regulations regarding e-cigarettes and narcotics. The import, sale, and possession of electronic cigarettes have been banned since 2014, with penalties that may include fines and imprisonment. The laws are intended to protect consumers from unregulated substances and potential health hazards, especially among youth.
This latest raid underscores the Thai government’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on the black market for e-cigarettes and drug-laced vape pods. Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor online platforms and conduct targeted operations to dismantle illegal supply chains.
Authorities urge the public to report suspicious activity involving e-cigarette distribution or narcotics to local police stations or the Consumer Protection Board. Officials emphasize that enforcement will remain stringent as Thailand upholds its zero-tolerance stance on unlicensed e-cigarette products and controlled substances.
