Police Seize 162 Illegal Chinese Drones Sold on TikTok

Picture courtesy of Matichon

Police have dismantled an illegal drone distribution operation importing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from China and selling them online through TikTok. Officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) confiscated 162 drones that lacked import documentation, National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) certification and customs clearance. The suspect, a 36-year-old man, was arrested in Ang Thong Province.

The raid took place on 25 October 2025 under the command of Pol Maj Gen Thasanpoom Jaruprat, Commander of the Economic Crime Suppression Division. He directed Pol Col Naruephon Karuna, Chief of Investigation Subdivision 2, along with Pol Lt Col Wannalop Rattanawong and Pol Lt Col Noppakhun Thasanamalai, to carry out the operation. Officers tracked the suspect to a house in Moo 2, Samko Subdistrict, Samko District, Ang Thong, where the illegal drones were seized.

Investigations revealed that the suspect had been using a TikTok account to advertise and sell imported drones from China without proper certification. The drones bore no NBTC approval marks and had not undergone customs inspection. Authorities said such unlicensed devices could interfere with communication frequencies and pose potential risks to national security.

Police conducted a sting operation to confirm the illegal activity before making the arrest. The seized drones, all manufactured abroad, were intended for widespread online sale across Thailand. Officers noted that the operation was part of a growing trend of illegal technology imports distributed through social media platforms.

During questioning, the suspect, identified as Mr. Wanrak, admitted to selling the drones through TikTok and acknowledged that none of the products had valid import or tax documentation. He has been charged with “concealing, distributing, or possessing goods known to have been illegally imported into the Kingdom without customs clearance,” under the Customs Act.

Authorities are continuing to investigate possible links to larger smuggling networks and to identify other individuals involved in the online trade. The seized drones will be held as evidence pending further forensic and regulatory examination.

Key Takeaways

• Police seized 162 illegal drones imported from China and sold through TikTok.

• The suspect admitted to selling the drones without NBTC certification or customs clearance.

• Authorities are investigating links to wider smuggling and online sales networks.

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Matichon 2025-10-26