CIB Raids Warehouse Selling Illegal Mosquito Repellents Without Thai Labels or FDA Approval

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has conducted a raid on a warehouse in Samut Sakhon, uncovering thousands of boxes of illegally imported mosquito repellents. The products, lacking Thai labelling and approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), were allegedly being sold online, posing serious health risks to consumers.

The operation, led by the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), was ordered by Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Bhuridej, Commissioner of the CIB. Acting under his command, officers from Subdivision 2 of the ECD, including senior officers Pol. Maj. Gen. Tadsapoom Charuprat, Pol. Col. Naruephon Karuna, and Pol. Lt. Col. Wanpadej Janyarom , coordinated the raid on a commercial building in Moo 2, Om Noi Subdistrict, Krathum Baen District.

Authorities arrested a 19-year-old man, identified only as Mr. Kantitat, for allegedly being in possession of goods that had not passed through customs procedures, a violation under The Customs Act. He reportedly confessed to the charges during initial questioning.

Officers seized over 2,400 boxes of mosquito repellent products as evidence, including:

• 600 boxes of the “Laojun” brand, featuring an image of a baby

• 1,200 boxes of a red-packaged brand bearing a tiger logo

• 600 boxes of the “Goldeer” brand, marked with a deer emblem

The investigation began after officers noticed a surge in illegal mosquito repellent sales via social media platforms and e-commerce sites. Most products originated from China and were sold at significantly lower prices than legitimate brands. Authorities grew concerned about the potential health hazards these unapproved repellents might pose, particularly as they lack FDA certification and safety labelling in Thai.

Surveillance and digital tracking revealed that the illegal stock was being distributed from a commercial premises in Samut Sakhon. With a warrant issued by the provincial court, officers raided the site and discovered the stockpile, all packaged in Chinese, with no import documentation or evidence of customs duties paid.

The suspect was taken into custody, and the confiscated goods were handed over to investigators from Subdivision 2 for legal proceedings. Police say they will continue expanding the investigation to identify additional individuals or networks connected to the illicit trade.

Authorities urge consumers to remain cautious when purchasing health-related products online and to ensure all items carry proper Thai-language labelling and FDA approval.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-19