Police Bust E-Cigarette Smuggling Ring in Bangkok
Police raided two illegal e-cigarette distribution hubs in Bangkok's Bang Khae district, seizing 50,000 units and 4.8 million baht in cash from operators suspected of major smuggling operations.
On July 9, Deputy Police Commissioner Nirandhorn Luamsri, who heads the Center for Prevention and Suppression of Electronic Cigarette Offenses, led a team of officers executing a Central Tax Court search warrant at two illegal e-cigarette distribution points.
At the first location on Soi Petchkasem 63 in Bang Khae, Bangkok, police discovered e-cigarettes and e-liquid totaling approximately 50,000 units already packaged and ready for shipment. A 30-year-old Lao national was detained for questioning.
The second location, about 1 kilometer away on the same soi, yielded a 28-year-old delivery worker and a 40-year-old homeowner. Police also seized approximately 4.8 million baht in cash for investigation.
Deputy Commissioner Nirandhorn stated that the first location served as a warehouse and packing center, while the second was a residence where substantial cash was discovered. The cash was identified as working capital for e-cigarette trading operations. The suspects are considered major distributors operating in central Bangkok. The seized contraband is valued at no less than 10 million baht.
