Hong Kong Man Arrested in Pattaya for Illegal Production of E-Cigarettes

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from the arrest.

 

Police in Pattaya have arrested a 28-year-old Hong Kong national for illegally manufacturing and selling e-cigarettes, as well as possessing an unregistered firearm.

 

The operation, led by Pol. Col. Navin Theerawit, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, along with Pol. Lt. Col. Thananon Athiphansi, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation, and Pol. Lt. Prasitboon Boonprasit, Deputy Inspector, resulted in the arrest of Mr. Hing Ping Sin. The suspect was apprehended in Room 505 at Nakorn Siam Boutique Hotel in Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.

 

The arrest followed an investigation into the suspect’s activities, which revealed he had been producing and distributing e-cigarettes and vaping liquids to Chinese tourists in Pattaya. Officers conducted a sting operation to purchase the products before moving in to arrest him.

 

A search of the suspect’s hotel room uncovered a significant quantity of items related to the illegal operation, including:

 

• 43 full e-cigarette cartridges

• 1,200 empty e-cigarette cartridges

• 30 e-cigarette devices

• 900 e-cigarette bases

• 4 bottles of vaping liquid

• 968 grams of powdered ingredients for vaping liquids

• 3 large containers of vaping liquid

• 1 digital scale

• 1 unregistered semi-automatic pistol

• 3 rounds of .380 calibre ammunition

 

During questioning, the suspect admitted to manufacturing and selling e-cigarettes, targeting Chinese customers in Pattaya’s nightlife venues. He also confessed to carrying the unlicensed firearm for personal protection during transactions.

 

Police have charged the suspect with illegally distributing goods that have not undergone customs clearance and possessing an unregistered firearm and ammunition without authorisation.

 

The suspect and all confiscated items have been handed over to Pattaya City Police Station for further legal action. Authorities are continuing their investigation to uncover additional members of the network involved in the illegal operation.

 

-- 2024-12-22