Authorities Seize Chemicals for Producing Etomidate Used in E-Cigarettes

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of ONCB

 

A joint operation led by Thailand’s Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has uncovered a stockpile of chemicals used to produce Etomidate, a dangerous substance increasingly misused in e-cigarettes. Authorities revealed that the seized materials could produce up to 600,000 e-cigarette doses, posing severe health risks, including respiratory failure.

 

The raid took place at 13:30 on December 12 at a warehouse in Samae Dam, Bang Khun Thian district, Bangkok. The operation was spearheaded by ONCB Secretary-General Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat Lakboon, along with representatives from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Department of Industrial Works, the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD), the Royal Thai Navy, and the National Narcotics Control Commission (NNCC) of China.

 

The seizure followed a tip-off from Chinese authorities, who had apprehended suspects linked to Etomidate trafficking in China. Investigations revealed that four Chinese nationals smuggled 3.5 tons of chemicals into Thailand for Etomidate production. The raid uncovered seven types of chemicals;

 

1. Phenylethylamine

2. Triethylamine

3. Benzene

4. Ethyl chloroacetate

5. Formic acid (85%)

6. Ethyl formate

7. Potassium thiocyanate

 

These substances, stored in 11 containers 2,200 litres, could produce 200 kilograms of Etomidate, valued at 140 million baht in the Chinese market.

 

Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat explained that Etomidate is a short-acting anesthetic requiring strict medical supervision. However, it has been repurposed as an illicit additive in e-cigarettes, causing neurological damage, tremors, and, in severe cases, respiratory failure. The substance is reportedly spreading across China and Taiwan and has begun to surface in Thailand.

 

The ONCB emphasized that while Etomidate is not yet classified as a narcotic in Thailand, its potential misuse could lead to it being reclassified as a controlled substance under the Psychotropic Substances Act. Officials also warned of the risks to youths, as Etomidate-laced e-cigarettes could induce unconsciousness, leaving individuals vulnerable to abuse.

 

Authorities are pursuing the four Chinese suspects connected to the operation. The chemicals were smuggled via maritime routes and stored in the rented warehouse. The warehouse owner has cooperated with the investigation and provided critical information leading to the seizure.

 

This case marks the latest in Thailand’s efforts to combat the use of precursor chemicals for manufacturing illicit substances. The ONCB and its partners remain committed to dismantling cross-border networks using Thailand as a production hub for dangerous chemicals.

 

-- 2024-12-13

 

 

 

[hotchilli]

On 12/13/2024 at 5:23 AM, Georgealbert said:

The seizure followed a tip-off from Chinese authorities, who had apprehended suspects linked to Etomidate trafficking in China. Investigations revealed that four Chinese nationals smuggled 3.5 tons of chemicals into Thailand for Etomidate production. The raid uncovered seven types of chemicals;

Those lovely Chinese entrepreneurs

[wombat]

On 12/13/2024 at 5:23 AM, Georgealbert said:

. The substance is reportedly spreading across China and Taiwan and has begun to surface in Thailand.

Is this the Fentanyl of the vape world?

[jcmj]

Not even close to Fentanyl but still can be harmful. The government should be responsible for any damage caused by the Chinese people that are let in freely for and extended stay that scam people from call centers, produce dangerous products, sell vapes in general or operate/fund illegal businesses. They let them in so they should be responsible. 

[john donson]

Etomidate is a short-acting intravenous anesthetic indicated for the induction of anesthesia and supplementation of subpotent anesthesia during short operative procedures. Amidate.

 

say what now?