Thai authorities have raided a Chinese-run factory in Samut Prakan, seizing 11.9 tonnes of chemicals linked to the production of etomidate, a substance used in so-called zombie e-cigarettes. One Chinese national, identified only as Mr Huang, was arrested during the operation in Bang Bo district on 4 April. Officials said the seizure could prevent the production of up to 504,000 illicit vape units worth about 900 million baht.
Get today's headlines by email 
The raid was led by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) following an investigation into a network suspected of manufacturing etomidate for use in e-cigarettes. Officers found 42 litres of liquid etomidate, 1 kilogramme of crystalline etomidate, 140 bottles of precursor chemicals and other substances including ethanol, hydrochloric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, glycerin and additional chemicals. The total volume of seized materials was approximately 11.9 tonnes.
The investigation began earlier in 2026 after authorities detected increased chemical purchases and suspicious activity by a Chinese network operating in central Thailand. The group was found to have rented a factory in Samut Prakan and set up a front company. Thai officials cooperated with Chinese authorities and the National Narcotics Control Commission (NNCC) to trace the network’s operations across Thailand, China and Vietnam.
Coordinated raids across the three countries led to the arrest of multiple suspects. Chinese authorities detained Mr Liang, another alleged member of the network, along with 38 additional suspects and seized large quantities of etomidate from a factory in China. Vietnamese authorities also raided a production site, arresting one suspect and confiscating 1.8 kilogrammes of etomidate.
Officials warned that etomidate-laced e-cigarettes, commonly referred to as zombie vapes, are sold in Bangkok for between 1,800 and 2,000 baht per unit. Under Thai law, producing, importing, exporting, selling or possessing etomidate without permission carries penalties of up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to 700,000 baht. Offences committed for commercial purposes can result in prison terms of one to 15 years and fines between 100,000 and 1.5 million baht.
Authorities have also cautioned warehouse owners and landlords to carefully screen tenants, warning they could face legal consequences if their premises are used for illegal activities. The ONCB urged the public to report suspicious behaviour via its 24-hour hotline.
Daily News reported that investigators are expected to expand the case to identify further links in the transnational network. Authorities in Thailand, China and Vietnam have indicated that joint operations will continue to disrupt the production and distribution of illicit substances.
Picture courtesy of Daily News
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 5 Apr 2026