Man Arrested for Selling Kratom Drink & Illegal Cough Medicine

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

Police have arrested a 30-year-old man for operating an illegal business producing and selling kratom-infused drinks and unauthorised cough medicine, seizing assets valued at over 5 million baht.

Acting on intelligence, police, led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Witthaya Sriprasertphap, Director of the Crime Suppression Division, and Pol. Col. Suriyasak Jirawas, arrested Mr. Ritthikiet at a rented house along the Somthawin Canal in Muang district, Maha Sarakham province. The property was identified as a hub for producing and distributing kratom drinks and illicit cough syrups.

During the raid, authorities confiscated 381 one-litre bottles of kratom tea, 193 60ml bottles of various cough syrups, two sales record books and a set of product labels displaying flavours and prices. The total value of the seized goods was estimated at approximately 5 million baht.

Mr. Ritthikiet admitted to running the illegal operation, which included branding his products, displaying price labels and accepting payments via PromptPay.

He has been charged with violating the Ministry of Public Health’s regulations on prohibited food production, import and sale, as well as breaching the 1967 Drug Act, which forbids the manufacture and distribution of unauthorised medicines. He has been handed over to Muang Police Station for further legal proceedings.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-09-04