Police Bust E-Cigarette Warehouse Worth 3.6 Million Baht
Police arrested a 23-year-old man in Pattani and seized over 73,200 contraband cigarettes and e-cigarettes worth 3.6 million baht from his residence, breaking up a smuggling network that had been distributing illegal goods for more than a y
On July 7, 2026, police officers led by Deputy Police Colonel Pattanasak Boobphasuwan conducted a raid in Moo 6, Tambon Momawe, Yaring District, Pattani Province. They arrested Sahabuddin, a 23-year-old from Pattani, and seized e-cigarettes, vape liquid, and various brands of contraband cigarettes totaling over 73,200 sticks worth more than 3.6 million baht from a residential house. The operation followed reports of teenagers openly selling e-cigarettes and contraband cigarettes to other youths in Pattani and nearby provinces.
Investigation revealed that Sahabuddin was a key agent for a smuggling network who modified his residence to store illicitly imported e-cigarettes and cigarettes awaiting distribution to customers. During interrogation, Sahabuddin admitted to ordering all e-cigarettes from Malaysian merchants and smuggling them through natural border channels in Tak Bai District, Narathiwat Province. The contraband cigarettes were purchased from major dealers in Pattani before being redistributed. He confessed to operating this scheme for over a year to fund his recreational activities with friends.
Sahabuddin was charged with concealing and distributing untaxed and prohibited goods without customs clearance. He was detained and the case was forwarded to Yaring Police Station for legal proceedings.
