Pattaya police shut down illegal pharmacy employing minor

Police in Pattaya uncovered a pharmacy selling unregistered drugs and employing a minor to distribute the medications.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Piyapong Ensarn, Superintendent of the Tourist Police Sub-Division 4, along with the Chon Buri Provincial Public Health Office, executed a sting operation yesterday, September 12, at 4pm targeting the pharmacy, which was reported by locals for operating without a proper licencing.

Complaints from concerned locals had alerted officers to the pharmacy’s illegal activities. Residents noted that the pharmacy on Laem Bali Hai Road was not only selling unregistered and specially controlled substances but also employing unlicenced individuals to dispense these drugs. This led the police and health officials to plan a covert operation.

During the sting, an undercover agent was given 10 marked 100-baht bank notes and sent to the pharmacy to purchase the drugs. Upon confirmation that the substances bought were indeed dangerous under the 1967 Drug Act, the arrest team immediately moved in. The purchases made by the undercover agent confirmed the sale of unregistered drugs.

The operation led to the arrest of a 17 year old female employee, whose name has been withheld due to her age. Officers found a substantial amount of unregistered drugs during the search. The police also detained the unidentified individual responsible for employing the minor and conducting the illegal sales.

“The use of a minor to sell these unregistered drugs is a serious offence, and we are committed to taking strict legal action against those responsible.”

Both the seized drugs and the suspects were taken to Pattaya Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings. The police have reiterated their dedication to ensuring the safety of residents and upholding the law by cracking down on illegal pharmaceutical activities, reported Pattaya News.

In related news, in a crackdown on an international drug ring, Phuket police arrested one Russian and three Nigerian men for allegedly selling a cocktail of illicit drugs including cocaine, ecstasy, and crystal meth.