Police raided a house, near Pattaya, in Chon Buri province on 11 May 2026 and uncovered what officers described as an illegal production site for drug-laced vape pods, known locally as “pot k”. Three Chinese nationals were arrested during the operation, while officers seized chemical substances, production equipment and vape pod components.
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The raid took place at around 4.30pm in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, after officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division and Chon Buri Provincial Police received information that a group of Chinese nationals was allegedly involved in illegal drug-related activity linked to electronic cigarettes.
Investigators found the two-storey detached property had been heavily modified. The house, which sits on approximately 100 square wah of land, was surrounded by two-metre-high concrete walls and fitted with electrified anti-theft wiring around the perimeter.
Inside, officers discovered the upper floor had been divided into separate rooms and converted into what police described as a laboratory. Authorities found chemical production equipment, substances believed to be used in manufacturing, and vape pod devices.
Police said forensic officers from the Central Institute of Forensic Science Region 2 were being called in to examine the chemicals and other evidence recovered from the property. The three Chinese men arrested at the scene were taken into custody for further questioning as investigators expanded the inquiry.
Residents living nearby told reporters they were shocked by the discovery. Neighbours said the property usually appeared abandoned because the lights were always off and they rarely saw anyone entering or leaving the house.
One resident said they initially feared a violent crime had taken place when large numbers of police arrived at the property. Locals later learned the house had allegedly been turned into a production site for illegal vape-related substances.
Pictures courtesy of Amarin
Authorities are also examining whether the operation is connected to an earlier police seizure in Nong Pla Lai in February 2026. Reporters at the scene noted that the chemical production equipment and substances found during the latest raid appeared similar to items seized during that earlier operation.
Amarin reported thtanthe case comes amid wider investigations into suspected Chinese criminal networks operating in the Pattaya and Chon Buri areas. Police said further forensic analysis and questioning of suspects would determine whether the groups are linked.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 12 May 2026