Police Bust Illegal Cannabis Operation Concealing Goods in Bread Tins

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

In a significant drug bust, Bang Kaeo Police officers apprehended a group involved in the illicit sale of cannabis flowers cunningly packed in bread tins and sold online. During the operation, authorities seized over 500 kilogrammes of cannabis, valued at more than 5 million baht (US$149,020).

The raid, led by Police Colonel Adirek Thongkamkaew together with deputy officers and Immigration Bureau officials from Samut Prakan, took place at 2 pm on April 23. Acting on a court-approved search warrant, police targeted a luxury residence in the King Kaew area, Rachathewa subdistrict, Bang Phli district.

Inside, six individuals were discovered: three Thai women, one Thai man, one Chinese man, and one Lebanese national. The authorities found a large quantity of dried cannabis flowers, neatly packaged in plastic bags, estimated to weigh over 500 kilogrammes. Additionally, electronic cigarettes filled with cannabis oil and bottles of the oil were seized.

The operation revealed various creative packaging methods, with cannabis concealed in bread tins, instant noodle cups, ready-to-eat food containers, and supplement cans, intending to elude detection during parcel shipping. Nearly 10 pickup trucks were required to transport the seized items to Bang Kaeo Police Station.

The raid stemmed from a tip-off about illegal cannabis processing without proper permits, leading investigators to the residence used as a storage hub. There is now an ongoing investigation to determine if this operation is linked to international drug trafficking, as well as to track financial transactions and identify further suspects involved.

Online investigations hinted at clandestine cannabis sales masked within food products. The house drew suspicion due to constant gatherings and significant daily traffic, prompting law enforcement action.

Inside, designated rooms for storage and packaging were equipped with sophisticated branding and production materials. The arrested suspects claimed the cannabis originated from a licensed factory and was simply being packaged at the location. However, the lack of business operation permits, along with the presence of cannabis oil, led to charges under the Narcotic Act Category 5 and the Controlled Herbs Act.

Among the apprehended, 28-year-old Chompoo confessed to renting the house to store cannabis flowers for sale, claiming ignorance of its illegality. She disclosed past involvement in legal cannabis cultivation and alleged that the unique bread tin packaging idea came from a Vietnamese friend.

Police remain sceptical of Chompoo's explanation and continue to investigate the operation's true scale and smuggling tactics while pursuing further leads in this elaborate illegal enterprise.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-04-24