Crime E-Cigarette Bust in Loei Province Worth 1.5 Million Baht

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

Authorities in Loei province have announced the largest seizure of illegal e-cigarettes in the region to date, with contraband valued at approximately 1.5 million baht. One suspect was taken into custody in connection with the operation.

 

At a press conference held at Wang Saphung Police Station, Loei Governor Mr. Chaiphot Jaroonpong, along with Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Weeradet Lekhawarakun, Deputy Commander Pol. Col. Wutthisak Rongmuang, District Chief Mr. Yossawat Patcharasaksakul, and Wang Saphung Police Superintendent Pol. Col. Noppadon Plienrup, revealed details of the operation.

 

The bust followed a tip-off from citizens and an intelligence-led investigation indicating the illegal sale of e-cigarettes to the public, including potentially to minors. Acting on a search warrant issued by the Loei Provincial Court, officers raided a commercial shophouse in Soi Ratchaphakdee, Village 8, Wang Saphung district.

 

There, they apprehended Mr. Jirunthanin 30, who was found on-site. A thorough search of the premises uncovered approximately 10,000 items related to the sale of e-cigarettes, including:

 

• Disposable e-cigarette devices

• Vape kits

• E-liquids

• E-liquid refill pods

• 213,680 baht in cash

• Two bank account passbooks

 

The suspect admitted to operating the business from the rented property for over a year, claiming the products belonged to a third party. He also claimed the e-cigarettes were sold to adult users only, not to minors or schoolchildren. He reported earning between 10,000 and 20,000 baht per day.

 

Authorities have charged him with the following offences:

 

• Importing prohibited goods into the Kingdom – punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to four times the value of the goods

 

• Importing e-cigarettes for commercial purposes without permission – punishable by up to 5 years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to 100,000 baht

 

• Selling unsafe or misleading products – punishable by a fine of up to 500,000 baht

 

All seized items are being sent to the Central Forensic Science Centre Region 4 for analysis. Should any of the e-liquids test positive for etomidate, a Schedule II controlled substance under the 2021 Narcotics Code, additional charges could be filed, carrying penalties of up to 7 years in prison or a fine of up to 700,000 baht.

 

Authorities also stated that the investigation is ongoing and will be expanded to identify other individuals involved in the distribution network. The case has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of vaping laws, particularly with the growing concern over the rising popularity of e-cigarettes among youths.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-07-24