Police seize 3,000 illegal e-cigarettes near Bangkok University
In a major crackdown on illegal e-cigarette sales, Bangkok police arrested four suspects and seized over 3,000 e-cigarettes and vaping liquids from a warehouse located just 100 metres from a prominent university in the Samyan area.
The bust was part of a wider initiative ordered by National Police Chief Police General Kittirat Panphet to target illegal vaping sales near educational institutions across Bangkok.
The raid was led by Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, Commander-in-Chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, along with a team of senior officers including Police Major General Noppasin Poolsawat and Pol. Maj. Gen. Chotiwat Luengwilai from the Crime Suppression Division.
Acting on intelligence gathered by the Metropolitan Police Investigation Unit, officers discovered that the suspects were using social media platforms to illegally market and sell e-cigarettes, reaching a wide audience, including students.
To catch the perpetrators, the police conducted a sting operation by purchasing e-cigarettes through social media. This led to the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of more than 3,000 illegal items stored in a warehouse strategically located near the university. The suspects, who denied all charges, claimed to be only delivery personnel but admitted to being aware of the illegal nature of their actions.
According to police reports, the operation was well-organised, with the suspects renting private storage space to hide the contraband. By using social media as a sales platform, they were able to operate around the clock, evading law enforcement and selling products to the general public, including students.
“This operation is in line with our commitment to cracking down on illegal e-cigarette sales, especially near educational institutions,” said Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam, adding that the location’s proximity to the university posed a serious risk to young people.
The suspects were charged with jointly helping to hide, sell, or receive goods that were illegally brought into the Kingdom without going through customs procedures under the Customs Act 2017 (Sections 244, 246). The evidence was handed over to the Pathumwan Police Station for further legal proceedings, reported KhaoSod.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are working to identify other members of the illegal distribution network. With police committed to tightening regulations and increasing surveillance, this bust marks a significant step in curbing the spread of illegal vaping products in Bangkok.
Latest Thailand News
