Bangkok Police Arrest ‘Zombie Pod’ Maker in Drug-Laced Vape Crackdown
BANGKOK, Thailand – March 2025 – Police in Bangkok arrested a man for allegedly manufacturing and selling “Zombie pods”—vape cartridges laced with Etomidate, an intravenous anesthetic known for its sedative effects.
Raid in Khan Na Yao District
Authorities raided a condominium in the Ram Inthra area on Tuesday and took Kanchai Lerksansuk, 39, into custody. The operation was led by Pol Maj Gen Pattanasak Bupphasuwan, commander of the Consumer Protection Police Division.
During the raid, police confiscated:
- 300 modified vape cartridges
- 12 bottles of Etomidate
- Vape production equipment
Dangerous Drug-Laced Vape Business
Kanchai admitted to mixing the vape liquid himself and selling it through a LINE Open Chat group called “PARTY777.” He reportedly earned between 20,000 to 100,000 baht per day, targeting partygoers and bar workers.
Investigators revealed that he:
- Purchased vape juice from a chemical supply shop
- Obtained Etomidate from a Chinese dealer who smuggled it into Thailand
Police warned that these drug-laced vape cartridges intensify intoxication and pose serious health risks.
Repeat Offender Turned Vape Dealer
Authorities also discovered Kanchai had a criminal history—he was previously arrested for selling cannabis when it was illegal in Thailand. After cannabis legalization, he opened a cannabis shop but secretly began producing and selling Zombie pods as a side business for about four months.
Thailand’s First Domestic ‘Zombie Pod’ Bust
This marks the first time Thai police have arrested a local manufacturer of this type of drug-infused e-cigarette, which was previously only found in smuggled imports, according to Pol Maj Gen Pattanasak.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to track down suppliers and distributors linked to Kanchai’s operation.
