CIB Raids Illegal Durian Fertilizer Warehouse Claiming High-Quality Organic Fertilizer; Seizes Nearly 20,000 Items Worth 10 Million Baht
Police raided a Samut Prakan warehouse on May 10, seizing nearly 17,400 units of illegal unregistered fertilizer worth over 10 million baht that was falsely marketed as high-quality organic product for durian and other crops through social
On May 10, 2025, Police Lieutenant Colonel Kongkrit Lertsitthikul, CIB commander, ordered Police Major Thanathat Sripipatana, Deputy Chief of CIB's 2nd Division, and other officers to coordinate with the Plant and Agricultural Material Control Office to raid a warehouse in Samut Prakan province after receiving tips about product sales through multiple online platforms.
Preliminary investigation found the advertising emphasized the product as "high-quality organic fertilizer" suitable for various commercial crops including durian, jackfruit, black pepper, oranges, watermelon, and mango. However, marketing content heavily focused on durian orchards following seasonal trends. The promotions used persuasive messaging about accelerating fruit ripening, increasing weight, boosting meat percentage, and improving product quality. Sales through social media featured presentations with supposed agricultural experts or experienced farmers endorsing the products to build credibility and persuade farmers to make purchases easily.
Officers then test-purchased the products through online channels before submitting samples for analysis by relevant agencies. Testing revealed the products were unregistered fertilizers under the law and likely counterfeit since they failed to undergo quality certification processes by state agencies.
The raid discovered 8 types of fertilizer products totaling approximately 17,400 units worth over 10 million baht. Products were sold at approximately 575 baht per container, with about 300 orders shipped daily from the distribution point. During the search, officers also found numerous Thai-language label stickers prepared for application to product packaging before distribution to the public through online channels.
Investigation also revealed that order management and partial product delivery operations were conducted by a group of Vietnamese nationals. Officers are expanding investigations to determine additional connections.
Analysis of all seized products confirmed they were "unregistered" under fertilizer law, meaning they had not undergone formula inspection, component verification, or quality standard checks by state agencies and legally qualify as "counterfeit fertilizer." Producing, selling, or importing counterfeit fertilizer is prohibited and carries penalties of five to fifteen years imprisonment and fines of 200,000 to 2 million baht under the Fertilizer Act (No. 2), 2550 BE.
Following this, criminal complaints will be filed with CIB's investigation division to prosecute those responsible according to law.
