Police seize over 130m baht worth of vapes in Nonthaburi bust
The raid, part of ‘Operation Smoke Out’, underscores government’s aim to crack down on sale of illegal smoking devices
The Metropolitan Police Bureau’s investigation team raided warehouses in Nonthaburi province on Tuesday and seized more than 260,000 e-cigarettes with a street value of over 130 million baht.
The crackdown, dubbed “Operation Smoke Out”, aligns with the government’s commitment to eliminate illicit tobacco products. Police said they targeted six warehouses in the province and found them linked to five individuals, who were responsible for shipping and distributing the products.
Two men were arrested, the police said, adding that the suspects were allegedly paid 20,000 baht each to look after one of the warehouses.
Investigators suspect the vaping devices had been smuggled in from China through the Laem Chabang port in Chonburi and distributed to more than 100 retail outlets nationwide.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited the scene on Tuesday to commend the efforts, stating that the operation underscores the government’s dedication to cracking down on the e-cigarette trade and protecting public health, especially among the youth.
“This is considered a major raid with high value. The officers will expand the investigation to the masterminds and bring them to justice,” she said.
The use and purchase of e-cigarettes is still prohibited in Thailand and importing them breaches relevant consumer and customs laws and regulations.
