Police Seize 7M Baht E-Cigarette Haul in Nonthaburi

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

Consumer protection police have seized a shipment of disposable e-cigarettes valued at more than 7 million baht and arrested a 31-year-old driver during a roadside operation in Nonthaburi. The suspect was detained while transporting 17,320 items in a pick-up truck and has admitted to being paid only 3,800 baht for the delivery. Authorities say the interception prevented a large consignment from reaching customers in the central region.

The arrest took place on 20 January at 15:10, following orders from Pol Maj Gen Khongkhet Lertsittikul, commander of the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD). Pol Col Kraiwith Saentawisuk, superintendent of Sub-Division 1, and Pol Lt Col Kittiphot Khongsungnoen led the operation alongside officers from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau. The suspect, identified as Warawut, 31, was stopped near a distribution centre in Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi.

Police said the operation followed intelligence that a network was moving a large e-cigarette shipment from the north-eastern region to buyers in the central provinces. Officers monitored suspected routes used by covered pick-up trucks and followed the vehicle until it reached the target area on Kanchanaphisek Road at kilometre marker 48+500 in Lahan Subdistrict. A search of the enclosed rear compartment revealed brown cardboard boxes packed with disposable e-cigarettes.

The seized items comprised 17,320 single-use e-cigarettes, and the vehicle was an Isuzu D-MAX pick-up truck. The total value of the goods was assessed at more than 7 million baht. Police took the items as evidence and detained the driver at the scene.

During questioning, Warawut confessed that he had been hired to transport the e-cigarettes from Khon Kaen to deliver them to customers in Bang Bua Thong. He said he was acting on instructions from an employer and was to receive a payment of 3,800 baht upon completion. He was arrested before the delivery could be made.

Khoasod reported that investigators have charged the suspect with concealing, assisting in the sale of, or possessing goods known to be evading customs duties. The offence carries a penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to four times the value of the goods including taxes, or both. Police said the suspect and evidence were handed to investigators at CPPD Sub-Division 1 and efforts are under way to identify and arrest the financiers behind the operation.

Key Takeaways

• Police seized 17,320 disposable e-cigarettes worth over 7 million baht in Nonthaburi on 20 January 2569.

• A 31-year-old driver admitted transporting the goods from Khon Kaen for a fee of 3,800 baht.

• Authorities are expanding the investigation to pursue the organisers and financiers of the smuggling network.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-21