Samut Songkhram Governor Takes Personal Action, Raids Disguised Convenience Store Hiding Drugs, Kratom, and E-Cigarettes

The Samut Songkhram Governor led administrative officials to raid a convenience store in Amphawa city, uncovering illegal sales of cannabis, flavored kratom, cough syrup, and e-cigarettes. On January 30, 2024, Chayachai Saeng-in, the Samut Songkhram Governor, along with other provincial officials, announced the results of a major raid targeting a significant local dealer. The operation targeted a residence in Moo 2, Bang Nang Li Sub-district, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram Province. What appeared to be a regular convenience store was actually concealing numerous illegal items. The search revealed: approximately 7,770 grams of cannabis, 222 bottles of cough syrup, 149 bottles of flavored kratom (1.5-liter size), and 901 e-cigarettes, all prepared for sale. During questioning, the owner, Mr. Chawakorn, confessed that all the seized items belonged to him. Authorities charged him with multiple offenses, including selling unregistered herbal products, selling unauthorized modern medicines, and smuggling goods that had not cleared customs. The Governor emphasized that while some substances like kratom and cannabis have legal exceptions, their sale and consumption must strictly follow legal conditions. He warned the public to be vigilant and report any suspected illegal drug sales or e-cigarette distribution to local authorities immediately. The province is committed to aggressive crackdowns to ensure public safety, stressing that drug-related activities are not only dangerous to users but also carry serious legal consequences and broader social impacts.