Report Pattaya Cannabis Shop Busted for Selling Illegal Vapes and Cigarettes

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

A recent police raid has exposed a cannabis shop on Pattaya's Beach Road as a front for selling illegal vape devices and foreign cigarettes. The operation, led by Pattaya Police and the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), targeted the Dr Weed cannabis store, revealing a hidden stash of 110 disposable vape devices and 216 packs of imported tobacco. The seized goods are estimated to be worth 60,000 baht.

 

Authorities report that the shop exploited its legal cannabis business to discreetly sell banned products, primarily luring tourists and teenagers. An investigating officer expressed concern, highlighting that such illegal activities undermine public health and prey on vulnerable groups.

 

During the raid, police arrested 32-year-old Sukanya Hongsaphan, a sales clerk from Maha Sarakham, who claimed she had been working at the shop for only a week, earning 14,000 baht monthly. Sukanya confessed to following directives from the shop's owner, known only as “Get,” and acknowledged the lucrative nature of selling prohibited items, stating the profit was three to five times the cost.

 

Despite knowing the sales were illegal, Sukanya admitted to catering to high demand. The investigation suggests the store had been open for over a year, with the illicit vape trade active for several months, attracting tourists and locals seeking banned items.

 

Charged with selling tobacco products without a licence and not displaying a valid permit, Sukanya is now in custody with the Pattaya Police. The ongoing crackdown aims to target establishments using legal cannabis operations as a facade for illegal sales, with police encouraging the public to report suspicious activity.

 

Authorities are currently tracking down "Get," the alleged orchestrator behind the illicit operation, with additional charges anticipated soon. Further raids are planned as police intensify efforts to dismantle similar operations exploiting legal loopholes to conduct illegal trade.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-22

 

 

[ikke1959]

The cabinet approved rules for education and public awareness of vaping so that is no problem anymore... it is forbidden, but we educate now...Thai thinking is very complicated for normal people