A Chinese national has been arrested in Pattaya after police conducted a sting operation targeting the illegal sale of drugs and vape products in the tourist city. The suspect, identified as Mr Wang Xinyu, 33, was detained on 13 March 2026 following an undercover operation by the narcotics suppression unit of Pattaya City Police Station. Get today's headlines by email The arrest was part of the Thai government’s ongoing anti-drug crackdown. Investigators had received intelligence that a network of foreign national was distributing drugs and “pod K” vape cartridges in the Pattaya area, prompting officers to launch a targeted operation. The operation was carried out under the direction of provincial commanders and ordered by Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station. Pol. Lt. Col. Arus Saphanon, deputy superintendent of investigations, oversaw the operation, with the investigative team led by Pol. Capt. Phubet Ruamsap, deputy investigation inspector and an officer of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board. Police deployed an undercover informant to arrange the purchase of a “pod K” vape cartridge valued at 5,000 baht. The transaction was scheduled in front of Olympus City Garden Condominium. When the suspect arrived to deliver the item and the transaction was made, officers revealed themselves and made the arrest. Police also recovered the marked banknotes used as bait money. During initial questioning, officers expanded the investigation and searched room 306 on the third floor of Pattaya City Resort in South Pattaya. Inside, they discovered a large quantity of illegal drugs and controlled substances believed to be prepared for distribution to customers in the tourist area. Seized items included approximately 65.7 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 170 methamphetamine pills and 4.6 grams of crushed methamphetamine. Officers also found 29 MDMA pills in various colours, 2.1 grams of ketamine, and 17.8 grams of etomidate, classified as a Category 2 controlled substance. Police additionally confiscated more than 50 e-cigarettes and pod cartridges along with an iPhone 17 Pro Max. A urine test conducted on the suspect returned positive for methamphetamine, with confirmation reported by Pattaya Bhattamakun Hospital. Investigators have filed multiple charges against Wang, including possession and distribution of Category 1 narcotics with intent to sell, possession of Category 2 controlled substances without permission, drug consumption, and offences related to the sale of e-cigarettes and prohibited goods under customs laws. Authorities are continuing to expand the investigation to identify other individuals involved in the network both within and outside the area. Police believe the operation may be linked to foreign agents using Pattaya as a distribution point for drugs targeting tourist customers. Officials said efforts to dismantle drug networks in the city will continue as part of broader enforcement aimed at cutting supply chains and eliminating both small-scale and major drug dealers. Pictures courtesy of สายข่าวพัทยา Related stories Chinese-man-arrested-over-laughing-gas-sales-in-Pattaya Pattaya-police-bust-Thai-Chinese-pod-k-drug-network Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now สายข่าวพัทยา 14 Mar 2026
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