ANN/THE NATION THAILAND – Vaping devices and accessories valued at over THB80 million were confiscated during police raids in Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom on Saturday.
Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau Deputy Commissioner Major General Pairoj Sukruaythanachote told a press conference that three locations, including a warehouse, were searched in Nakhon Pathom’s Mueang district.
He said two people were arrested and about THB50 million worth of vaping devices and accessories was confiscated during the raids.
In Bangkok, police searched a condominium in Ratchathewi district where about THB50 million worth of vaping devices and accessories was confiscated, Pairoj said, adding that a suspect was arrested during the raid.
Those arrested were charged with importing prohibited items, violating the Consumer Protection Act and the Export-Import Act.
Further investigations are underway to find other people involved, police said.
It is a violation of the Customs Act to have or smoke a vaping device, according to Cyber Crime Investigation Division 1 commander Major General Chatpuntakan Klaiklueng.
People found in possession of the devices face up to five years in prison as well as a fine of four times the value of the vaping device. Smoking e-cigarettes in public also violates the Tobacco Control Law.
“I would like to tell e-cigarette smokers that smoking is not only harmful to their health but also illegal,” Chatpuntakan said.
Both e-cigarettes and their liquid refills are illegal in Thailand.
