Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

In a dramatic operation on 4 July, police successfully intercepted a covered pickup truck loaded with a massive consignment of illegal e-cigarettes along Rama II Road. The seizure, carried out near kilometre marker 80 in the Praek Nam Daeng area of Amphawa District, revealed more than 11,500 e-cigarette devices worth over 4.6 million baht on the black market.

 

The suspects, identified as Mr. Netipong 27, of Suphan Buri Province and Ms. Wannipa 27, of Sakon Nakhon Province, were arrested at the scene. The pair had been transporting the contraband in a Toyota Vigo truck, licence plate from Suphan Buri.

 

The operation was led by Police Colonel Akkarawat Seethanaboonubon, commander of Border Patrol Police Division 14, in cooperation with senior officers from Yi San Police Station and Highway Police Subdivision 1. The bust follows government directives urging an intensified crackdown on the illegal trade of e-cigarettes, a growing underground market in Thailand.

 

According to Colonel Akkarawat, intelligence reports had indicated that a large shipment of e-cigarettes was being transported from southern Thailand to central regions. Police surveillance teams coordinated along potential routes, eventually narrowing in on the suspect vehicle on Rama II Road.

 

Police Lieutenant Colonel Waritthorn Choonak, commander of Border Patrol Company 144, said officers had been tracking the smuggling operation closely and had strong indications that the contraband would be moved via Rama II. After tailing the vehicle, officers made their move and successfully stopped and searched the truck, uncovering 11,520 e-cigarette devices neatly packed in the cargo compartment.

 

During questioning, Mr. Netipong admitted to being a freelance delivery driver. He confessed to having transported e-cigarettes on two prior occasions and this latest run earned him 27,000 baht, but also ended in arrest. He is now cooperating with police as investigators attempt to trace the broader smuggling network.

 

Both suspects remain in custody, and police have vowed to expand the investigation, targeting those higher up in the supply chain. The seizure underscores ongoing efforts to curb the illegal import and distribution of electronic nicotine products, which remain banned under the law.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-07-06

 

 

 

Banning a safe alternative to smoking is exceedingly dumb.