CIB & FDA Bust 4×100 Drug Rings, Seize 1.3m Pills

Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid 

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have dismantled three networks linked to the illegal “4×100” drug mixture, seizing more than 1.3 million tramadol capsules worth over 20 million baht. The coordinated raids targeted 10 locations across four provinces on 16 December 2025, disrupting supply chains feeding youth drug abuse.

The operation focused on networks selling tramadol, cough syrups and antihistamines used to mix with kratom water to create the intoxicant known as “4×100”. Authorities said the seizures and arrests would immediately reduce availability in communities where the mixture is sold, particularly to teenagers and young adults.

The crackdown was led by Pol Lt Gen Nattasak Chawanasai, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, with senior officers from the Consumer Protection Police Division (PCPD) and executives from the FDA. Searches were carried out simultaneously in Chon Buri, Samut Prakan, Sing Buri and Bangkok, targeting distributors in the eastern region and Bangkok as well as an illicit cough syrup manufacturing operation in Sing Buri.

Investigators seized more than 300 items with a combined value exceeding 20 million baht, including 1,366,810 tramadol capsules and 10,496 bottles of cough and allergy medicines. Machinery, raw materials and packaging used to produce counterfeit cough syrup were also confiscated. One suspect was arrested on charges of practising pharmacy without a licence, while forensic analysis and testing of seized items is under way to identify additional suspects.

Police said the networks obtained medicine quotas by opening clinics or pharmacies, then diverted the drugs to unauthorised storage sites and sold them online. The products were distributed to teenagers and kratom drink shops in local communities. Another network was found to be producing fake cough syrup and supplying pharmacies in outbreak areas for use in creating intoxicating mixtures.

FDA Secretary-General Suphatra Boonserm said abnormal orders of tramadol, totalling millions of capsules during 2024 - 2025, raised red flags and prompted joint investigations with the PCPD. She warned licensed operators not to misuse permits, stating violators would face licence suspension and prosecution, and urged the public to report tips via the FDA hotline 1556.

Thaitabloid reported that Pol Lt Gen Nattasak stressed that the operation aimed to cut off supply at the source rather than focus solely on arrest numbers. He said tramadol is a controlled medicine and illegal distribution for abuse poses a serious social risk. Authorities will pursue all linked networks to the fullest extent of the law and encouraged public reporting via the PCPD hotline 1135 or the “PCPD Consumer Alert” page.

Key Takeaways

• Joint CIB–FDA raids hit 10 sites in four provinces on 16 December 2025.

• Police seized 1,366,810 tramadol capsules and goods worth over 20 million baht.

• Authorities will expand the investigation to reach suppliers and organisers.

Related stories

Raid-uncovers-illegal-cough-syrup-operation-linked-to-‘4x100’-kratom-mix

4x100-drug-production-site-raided-in-Ubon-Ratchathani

 Adapted by Asean Now from Thaitabloid 2025-12-17