Cyber Police Raid E-Cigarette Retailer – Over 2.6 Million Baht in Illegal Goods Seized

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The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau has shut down an online retailer of e-cigarettes and foreign tobacco products, seizing contraband valued at over 2.6 million baht and arresting multiple suspects in a series of coordinated operations.

The raid, led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), along with senior officers and investigators, targeted the illegal website YASOOBVIBES which had been operating as a large-scale online distributor of prohibited vaping products.

Authorities began their investigation after intelligence revealed that yasoobvibes.net was selling e-cigarettes and related items via the Line messaging app, with deliveries handled by private courier services. Police traced one of the delivery operations and conducted a surveillance operation in the Rama III area of Bangkok.

On 26 June, officers intercepted a black Chevrolet vehicle in a car park near a rented room in Bang Phongphang, Yannawa District. Inside the vehicle, officers discovered large quantities of e-cigarettes and foreign tobacco products being prepared for delivery. The driver, identified as Mr. Winyu (alias Max) 28, was immediately arrested.

During questioning, Max confessed to running the illicit business for around 7–8 months, earning approximately 200,000 to 300,000 baht per month. He disclosed that more products were being stored at a rented house in Soi 49, also in the Bang Phongphang area.

Police then conducted a search of the property, where they arrested Mr. Kritsana (28), Mr. Bandit (26) and Ms. Suranya (37). Thousands of e-cigarettes, vape liquids and foreign tobacco products were found on site. The seized goods were valued at over 2.6 million baht.

The three additional suspects told police they had been hired by Max to package goods for shipment, receiving a salary of 9,000 baht per month.

All suspects now face multiple charges, including:

• Possession of untaxed goods for the purpose of sale

• Sale and distribution of prohibited items such as e-cigarettes and baraku (hookah) products, in violation of the Consumer Protection Act B.E. 2522, amended by Act No. 4 (B.E. 2562), and the Consumer Protection Board Order No. 9/2558

• Concealment, aiding in sale and distribution of prohibited imports under Section 246 of the Customs Act

All four suspects, along with the seized goods, have been handed over to investigators for legal proceedings.

Authorities warn that illegal online sales of e-cigarettes and foreign tobacco continue to pose serious health and regulatory risks and pledge to intensify enforcement efforts nationwide.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-06-29