CIB Seizes Illegal Mosquito Repellents in Samut Prakan Warehouse

Picture courtesy of CIB

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has uncovered a large shipment of illegal mosquito repellent products in a warehouse in Samut Prakan. The goods, believed to have been smuggled from China, are suspected to contain dangerous chemicals and pose significant health risks to consumers.

The CIB’s Economic Crime Division (ECD), under the leadership of Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridech, raided the warehouse in Bang Muang, Samut Prakan, following an investigation into the illegal importation and distribution of the products. The operation led to the arrest of 32-year-old Tatchai, who was reportedly responsible for managing the warehouse.

Authorities seized around 380 cartons of mosquito repellents, including popular brands like “Laojan” and others, which had been imported without proper customs clearance or tax payments. The products, which originated from overseas, were found to contain harmful substances such as pyrethroids, meperfluthrin, and dimefluthrin. These chemicals are known to be toxic to both humans and animals, with prolonged exposure or inhalation potentially causing dizziness, headaches, nausea, muscle spasms, weakness, seizures, and even loss of consciousness.

The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had previously issued a warning in 2023 about the potential dangers of using mosquito repellents that lack proper labelling or registration. Consumers were advised to only purchase products with Thai labels and a product number to ensure their safety.

Upon investigation, Tatchai was unable to provide the required importation documents or proof of tax payments. As a result, authorities confiscated the illegal goods and charged him with aiding the illegal importation and distribution of unregistered products, a violation of the Customs Act.

The CIB continues to ramp up efforts to combat the smuggling of unregistered and potentially hazardous products, warning the public to remain vigilant when purchasing goods that may not meet safety standards.

-- 2025-01-20