Authorities have dismantled a cannabis operation in Krabi run by an Israeli national using Thai nominees, after discovering high-potency cannabis extracts far exceeding legal THC limits. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) said the operation resulted in several arrests and the seizure of assets worth around 3 million baht. Officials say the network was producing and selling cannabis extracts with THC concentrations classified as illegal under Thai law. Get today's headlines by email The ONCB reported that officers from ONCB Region 8 carried out the operation between 12 and 13 March in coordination with Krabi provincial police investigators, Tourist Police, Krabi forensic officers and the Krabi Provincial Public Health Office. The crackdown followed government policy targeting illegal narcotics production in tourism and key economic areas. During a search of a cannabis farm business in Krabi, officers arrested an Israeli national identified only as Moshe, the owner of the operation. Four Thai nationals were also detained after investigators found they had helped register the company as nominee shareholders on behalf of the foreign operator, which violates Thai laws restricting foreign business ownership. Authorities also discovered cannabis extract products at the site and sent samples for testing. Laboratory results showed THC concentrations as high as 77 percent, far above the legal limit of 0.2 percent. Under the Ministry of Public Health announcement issued in 2022, cannabis extracts exceeding that threshold are classified as Category 5 narcotics. Investigators subsequently added charges of illegal production, possession and distribution of Category 5 narcotics. Following further intelligence, officers returned to the premises on 13 March and discovered additional cannabis extract products including Kief, Hash and Moonrock, all known for their high THC potency. Pictures courtesy of Daily News The suspects were then charged with producing, selling and possessing cannabis extracts classified as Category 5 narcotics for commercial purposes. Authorities also seized assets and froze bank accounts linked to the operation, with the total value estimated at approximately 3 million baht. The Daily News reported that ONCB Secretary-General Pol Lt Col Suriya Singhakamol said the operation demonstrated coordinated efforts among anti-narcotics agencies to prevent cannabis being processed into highly concentrated extracts considered illegal drugs. He added that officials would continue expanding the investigation to identify and dismantle other networks involved. The ONCB has also encouraged the public to report suspected drug activity through its 24-hour hotline 1386. Related stories Russian-man-arrested-for-illegal-cannabis-operation-in-Pattaya Israeli-drug-dealer-arrested-on-Koh-Phangan Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 15 Mar 2026
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