Phuket raids uncover illegal e-cigarette sales in Patong, Ratsada

Police in Phuket raided the Weed Club in Patong and an associated address in Ratsada for allegedly engaging in the illegal sale of e-cigarettes. The operations were brought to light following a tip-off to the Phuket governor.

Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat announced the raid on June 16, stating that the information prompted immediate action. He instructed Phuket Vice Governor Sattha Thongkham, who then coordinated with other officials, including Phuket Provincial Palad Suwit Suriyawong, Mueang Phuket District Chief Worasit Putjeeb, and Kathu District Chief Theeraphong Chuaychu, to initiate the investigation.

Phuket Provincial Defense Office Chief Akara Suwatthikul led the coordination of the investigation, with significant support from the Volunteer Defense Corps (OrSor). Krit Thepbamrung, head of the Phuket office of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), was also involved in aiding in preventing and suppressing the illegal sale of e-cigarettes.

Officers, armed with a warrant issued on June 13, searched a rented house in Soi Kuku, off Ratsada Nusorn Road in Moo 3, Ratsada. They seized 25 e-cigarettes, 229 e-cigarette suction tips, and 257 packs of cigarettes. One suspect was arrested, and B397 in cash was confiscated.

Another raid at the Weed Club on Rath-U-Thit 200 Pi Road in Patong resulted in the seizure of 482 e-cigarettes, 787 e-cigarette tips, and 74 bottles of e-cigarette liquid. A Myanmar employee was arrested at the shop.

The suspect from Ratsada was taken to Phuket City Police Station and charged. The Myanmar national from Patong was taken to Patong Police Station and also charged. Both individuals face charges under Sections 203 and 204 of the Excise Act of 2017 for possession and sale of goods without proper tax payment. Additionally, the Myanmar employee was charged with illegally performing work beyond their authorised rights, the report stated.

“The man arrested in Ratsada has been charged with possession of goods for which taxes have not been paid or have not been fully paid, as per Section 203 of the Excise Act of 2017, and with selling goods for which taxes have not been paid or have not been fully paid, as per Section 204 of the Excise Act of 2017.”

The report did not mention any charges against the business operator or management at the Weed Club, reported The Phuket News.