Police have raided an illegal factory producing Bashi weight-loss pills in Bang Mae Nang, Bang Yai district, Nonthaburi, as part of an investigation linked to the death of a consumer. The operation took place on 7 July 2026 and resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of chemicals, manufacturing equipment and packaging for 10 slimming pill brands containing the banned substance sibutramine. Get today's headlines by email The raid was led by the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Investigation Division following an investigation into the death of a woman in Din Daeng, Bangkok, who died in February after taking Bashi slimming pills. Her family filed a complaint, prompting police to trace the source of the product in an effort to prevent further deaths. The operation was announced by Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Supamas Isarabhakdi, Police General Samran Nuanma, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Secretary-General Supatra Boonserm. Officers searched two locations, one used as a production facility and the other for storing raw materials and packaging before distribution. Police arrested three Myanmar nationals who were allegedly managing the premises: Miss Khin Nwe Lin, 25, Mr Aung Tin Win, 27, and Mr Sai Shwe Aung, 21. Investigators are now working to identify and arrest the financiers believed to be behind the operation while tracing the distribution network for the illegal products. Officials said laboratory findings confirmed that the factory was producing 10 brands of weight-loss pills containing sibutramine. The substance was previously approved as a prescription treatment for obesity but has since been withdrawn and classified as a Category 1 psychotropic substance because of its serious risks to the heart and cardiovascular system, including heart attacks and death. The FDA said authorities had previously succeeded in removing sibutramine-based slimming products from the market through enforcement operations. However, criminal groups have resumed illegal production and distribution of such products. Pictures courtesy of Daily News Police secured evidence while investigators examined the factory’s production methods and any other offences committed under Thai law. Authorities said further details, including legal action against those responsible, will be released as the investigation progresses. Daily News reported that the FDA urged the public to exercise caution when buying dietary supplements and advised anyone with information about illegal production or distribution of health products to contact the FDA hotline on 1556. Join the discussion? 8 July 2026
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