ANN/THE NATION – 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 THB130 million.
The crackdown, dubbed “Operation Smoke Out”, coincides with the government’s commitment to eradicate illegal tobacco goods. Police said they targeted six warehouses in the province, discovering connections to five individuals involved in shipping and distributing the goods.
Two men were arrested, the police said, adding that the suspects were allegedly paid THB20,000 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.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited the site to commend the efforts, stating that the operation underscores the government’s dedication to combatting the e-cigarette market and safeguarding 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.
