Police Crack Down on Major Vape Supplier in Nonthaburi
NONTHABURI, Thailand – Authorities conducted a major raid in Nonthaburi province on Tuesday, seizing approximately 260,000 smuggled Chinese-made vape pipes and related products valued at 130 million baht. The crackdown, known as “Operation Smoke Out”, targeted illegal vape distribution networks across the country.
Police searched 10 locations, including five warehouses and five houses, and arrested two men linked to the operation. According to Pol Maj Gen Samran Nuanma, assistant national police chief, the suspects were merely warehouse supervisors, earning 20,000 baht per month to oversee storage. Authorities believe the actual owner of the contraband is a Thai national who remains in the country.
The seized vape pipes, e-cigarettes, and e-liquids were illegally imported from China through Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi before being distributed to online buyers and over 100 retail shops nationwide.
Investigation and Police Involvement
The bust followed an eight-month sting operation that tracked vape supply networks operating via websites and Line chat rooms. According to Pol Lt Gen Sayam Boonsom, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, the products were delivered by mail before being retailed in physical shops.
Reporters questioned possible police involvement, noting that one of the raided warehouses was located behind Bang Bua Thong Police Station. Officials acknowledged that a warehouse owner was the ex-wife of a police officer, but stated that she had leased out the property and was unaware of the illegal activities.
Authorities also identified one of the key online vendors as “Pat”, operating through vapequeenzstore.com—a website that was found to be “under maintenance” on Tuesday afternoon. Some of the contraband was also reportedly smuggled into Thailand through southern border routes.
Police continue to investigate the supply network and potential connections to law enforcement personnel.
