Pattaya motorbike taxi driver arrested for selling kratom juice
Police in Pattaya detained a female motorbike taxi driver on Monday for selling unauthorised kratom juice, aiming to mitigate financial strains during Thailand’s economic difficulties. The arrest was made on Soi Phothisan 1/1 in the Naklua area, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province.
Police officers yesterday, August 19, apprehended Sirikaset, a 60 year old motorcycle taxi driver, who was found selling kratom juice without the necessary permissions. Law enforcement seized five plastic bottles of the juice as evidence.
The operation was prompted by complaints from locals alleging that Sirikaset was secretly selling kratom juice mixed with cough syrup to various groups, including students, youths, foreigners, and locals. Following these reports, police organised a sting operation that culminated in her arrest.
In her statement to the police, Sirikaset explained that her side business of selling kratom juice was an attempt to supplement her income amid Thailand’s economic slump. She now faces charges for selling food products containing kratom without proper authorisation.
Kratom is decriminalised in Thailand but requires proper licencing from the Thai FDA, reported Pattaya News.
In related news, police in Rattaphum, Songkhla, arrested a woman for openly selling kratom leaf tea, with teenagers reportedly becoming addicted. The operation seized 500 bottled kratom teas, sold around the clock. Rattaphum District Chief Wilailak Rueangphon ordered Sub-Lieutenant Surasak Chanakit to lead a team, including local health officers, to apprehend a vendor selling kratom leaf tea from a rented house.
Mueang Samut Sakhon Police Station officers, alongside relevant agencies, responded to complaints from residents about a group of Burmese workers frequently gathering at the warehouse for kratom juice. Signs advertising a drink buffet were reportedly seen at the location.
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