Two Indian nationals have been arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport after Thai customs officers seized 16.59 kilogrammes of etomidate, a controlled substance linked to so-called “zombie vapes”, with an estimated street value of more than 41 million baht.
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The arrests were announced by the Suvarnabhumi Airport Passenger Customs Office on 5 July 2026 following two separate operations carried out within four days. Officers from the passenger customs office, working with the Investigation and Suppression Division, intercepted the suspected smugglers after risk analysis and baggage screening identified suspicious luggage.
The first arrest took place on 30 June 2026 when a male Indian passenger arriving from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, was found carrying 10.43 kilogrammes of etomidate concealed inside a suitcase. Customs officials valued the seized drugs at more than 26 million baht.
The second case occurred on 3 July 2026 when another male Indian passenger arrived from Mumbai, India. An X-ray scan revealed suspicious contents inside his baggage, leading officers to discover 6.16 kilogrammes of concealed etomidate with an estimated value of more than 15 million baht.
Combined, the two seizures totalled 16.59 kilogrammes of etomidate worth more than 41 million baht. Both suspects were arrested and handed over, along with the seized evidence, to investigators for legal proceedings under Thailand’s Narcotics Code and Customs Act. Thailandtravel guides
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Santanee Pairattanakorn, director of the Suvarnabhumi Airport Passenger Customs Office, said etomidate is an anaesthetic intended for use only in medical facilities under the supervision of healthcare professionals. However, authorities have increasingly detected the drug being mixed into e-cigarette liquids, commonly referred to as “zombie vapes”, to produce narcotic-like effects.
She warned that users may experience drowsiness, dizziness and loss of bodily control before the drug suppresses the central nervous system, potentially causing unconsciousness, respiratory failure and death. She described the trend as a new public health threat spreading in several countries, particularly among young people.
Amarin reported that officials said the successful operations demonstrate a growing trend in attempts to smuggle new psychoactive substances into Thailand. The Customs Department has responded by strengthening passenger screening, risk analysis and inspection procedures to prevent illegal drugs and other dangerous substances from entering the country.
Pictures courtesy of Amarin
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 7 July 2026