Kata cannabis shops raided; 500,000 baht seized

Phuket Immigration Police have raided two cannabis shops in Kata Beach, seizing 40 items said to be worth more than 500,000 baht. The late-night operation targeted outlets suspected of using foreign workers without the required permission.

The raids took place at about 10pm on Thursday, July 16, as part of a nationwide campaign against foreign nationals who enter Thailand illegally, are wanted for prosecution overseas or work unlawfully through Thai nominee arrangements, Phuket Immigration told the Phuket Express.

Late-night raids in Kata

Officers found a Thai man and a Myanmar national at the two retail premises. Police said the Myanmar worker was seen selling cannabis products directly to customers and running shop operations.

Authorities said their enquiries identified several alleged offences. These included working without proper authorisation, working outside the conditions permitted, and selling food products without the appropriate labels.

All 40 seized items were treated as contraband by investigators, with their estimated street value put at more than 500,000 baht.

Owners and licences under review

The suspects were transferred to investigators for further legal action.

Police said the inquiry would now widen to establish who ultimately owns the businesses. Investigators will examine whether foreign nationals were backing the shops through Thai nominees, a structure sometimes used to conceal foreign control of businesses subject to restrictions.

Relevant agencies will also be asked to check the cannabis retail licences connected with the premises, police said.

The operation was part of a wider immigration enforcement policy directed at foreigners who allegedly evade legal action, enter Thailand without permission or take up work unlawfully.

Pictures courtesy of Phuket Express

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19 July 2026