KHON KAEN — Two men were arrested on Monday night after a sting operation targeting illegal online e-cigarette sales ended in a dramatic car crash in front of Jompol Market, Muang district.
The suspects, identified as Anupong Wiratikul and Natthapon Katphuthat, both 37, attempted to flee when confronted by police posing as buyers. Security footage from Vedressa Studio captured the chaotic scene and was quickly shared online.
According to Pol Col Pornsak Ngamdee, a superintending investigator, undercover officers arranged to buy e-cigarettes through social media, agreeing to meet the sellers at 10:30 p.m.
When officers moved in to make the arrest, the suspects reversed their car, hitting two undercover police motorcycles and causing minor injuries. As they tried to escape, their vehicle sideswiped a police car before overturning in the middle of the road.
Police seized 13 e-cigarettes, each reportedly sold for 650 baht, and impounded the suspects’ vehicle. Both men were taken to Muang Khon Kaen Police Station for legal proceedings.
