Police Seize 48,000 E-Cigarettes Worth ฿20 Million

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Police in Thailand’s Region 1 have seized over 48,000 e-cigarette items worth more than 20 million baht after intercepting a major smuggling network operating from the South. Two suspects from Songkhla and Pattani were arrested in Samut Sakhon on 14 October while transporting the contraband in two pickup trucks fitted with enclosed boxes. Both men reportedly admitted to being paid 3,000 baht per trip to deliver the products.

The arrests were announced by Pol Lt Gen Watthana Yichin, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 1, alongside senior officers including Pol Maj Gen Phairoj Sookruaythanachot, Pol Maj Gen Phonphitak Rooyuenyong, Pol Maj Gen Wichit Boonchinwutikul, and Pol Maj Gen Worachat Saenkham. The seizure included e-cigarettes and related liquids totalling 48,000 units and two Toyota Revo trucks, which were stopped on a public road in Moo 6, Bang Nam Chuet Subdistrict, Mueang District, Samut Sakhon.

Pol Lt Gen Watthana explained that the operation stemmed from the arrest of a suspect named Jeerapiwat in Lopburi on 27 September. That earlier case involved 4,000 e-cigarettes worth 3 million baht being smuggled from the South to the central region. Investigations revealed a wider network engaged in the illegal import and distribution of e-cigarettes across multiple provinces, prompting the latest operation.

Preliminary questioning revealed that the arrested drivers were not the masterminds but couriers who transported the goods to prearranged drop-off points, where others would collect and distribute them to smaller sellers in central Thailand. The suspects said they were hired only to drive and had no involvement in the sales process.

Authorities have charged both men with “concealing, selling, or possessing goods known to be untaxed or prohibited” under the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017). They and the seized evidence were handed over to investigators at Mueang Samut Sakhon Police Station for further legal proceedings. Police say further arrests may follow as the investigation into the broader smuggling network continues.

Key Takeaways

• Police Region 1 seized 48,000 e-cigarette items worth over 20 million baht in Samut Sakhon.

• Two southern suspects admitted to transporting the goods for 3,000 baht per trip.

• The bust followed an earlier Lopburi arrest that uncovered a larger smuggling network.

Related Stories

Vape-smuggling-network-busted-in-Bangkok

Vape-raid-in-Bangkok-stockpile-worth-3-million-baht-seized-Chinese-financier-arrested

  Adapted by Asean Now From Dailynews 2025-10-15