Police seize cannabis in secret bread tin operation in Samut Prakan

Bright Choomanee13 hours agoLast Updated: Thursday, April 24, 2025

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Police seize cannabis in secret bread tin operation in Samut Prakan — Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

Officers from Bang Kaeo Police Station apprehended a group involved in the illegal sale of cannabis flowers, which were being discreetly packed in bread tins and sold online.

Police seized over 500 kilogrammes of cannabis, valued at more than 5 million baht 5 (US$149,020), during a raid conducted at 2pm, yesterday, April 23. Police Colonel Adirek Thongkamkaew, along with deputy officers and Immigration Bureau officials from Samut Prakan, led the operation.

The raid targeted a luxury house located in a residential area of King Kaew, Rachathewa subdistrict, Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan province, following a search warrant approval by Samut Prakan Provincial Court.

Inside the residence, police discovered six people: three Thai women, one Thai man, one Chinese man, and one Lebanese national. A thorough search of the premises revealed a substantial amount of dried cannabis flowers, packaged in plastic bags, ready for sale, estimated to weigh over 500 kilogrammes in total. Additionally, electronic cigarettes filled with cannabis oil and bottles containing cannabis oil were found.

Further inspection uncovered that the cannabis was being concealed in various containers such as bread tins, instant noodle cups, ready-to-eat food containers, and supplement cans, intended to be shipped to customers via parcels. The seized items were transported in nearly 10 pickup trucks to Bang Kaeo Police Station.

Pol. Col. Adirek explained that the operation was initiated following a tip-off about the illegal processing and sale of cannabis flowers without the necessary permits. This led to an investigation and subsequent discovery of the house being used as a storage site for the cannabis flowers.

Police raid

Police are investigating whether this operation is part of an international drug trafficking network, as well as tracking the financial transactions and other individuals involved.

The deputy investigation officer of Bang Kaeo Police Station noted that online clues indicated cannabis was being sold illegally, hidden in food products. The house had frequent gatherings and heavy daily traffic, prompting further investigation.

Inside, rooms were designated for storage and packaging, with systematic equipment and branding labels. Suspects claimed the cannabis originated from a licensed factory and was being packaged at the house.

However, the house lacked the necessary business operation permits. The presence of cannabis oil led to charges under the Narcotic Act Category 5, as well as the Controlled Herbs Act.

Among those arrested, 28 year old Chompoo admitted to renting the house to store the cannabis flowers for sale, not realising it was illegal. She stated she had previously operated a legal cannabis cultivation business.

She claimed the packaging in bread tins was the idea of a Vietnamese friend who left them at the house. The police remain sceptical of her testimony and plan to further investigate the case, reported KhaoSod.