Police Seize 20m Tramadol Pills in Bangkok Fake Export Scam

Police in Bangkok have dismantled a network accused of falsely declaring drug exports while diverting large quantities into the domestic market, seizing more than 20 million tramadol capsules worth over 80 million baht. The crackdown, announced on 17 April at the Central Investigation Bureau, targeted operations linked to the misuse of the drug in “4x100” cocktails popular among youths.

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Senior officers, including Pol Lt Gen Nattasak Chawanasai and officials from the Food and Drug Administration, said the investigation uncovered a scheme in which licensed operators reported fake exports to neighbouring countries. Instead, the drugs were stockpiled and redistributed illegally within Thailand.

On 18 March 2026, police and FDA officials raided three locations. In Khlong Sam Wa, Bangkok, they seized 15.6 million tramadol capsules branded Comadol, along with 124,000 bottles of cough and allergy syrup and over 4.1 million other painkiller tablets. Medical devices and related materials were also confiscated.

A second site in Nong Chok, registered as a wholesale business but never operational, was used as a storage facility, where 4,375,800 capsules from three production batches were found. At a pharmacy in Kabin Buri, Prachin Buri, investigators uncovered documentation showing false sales records and links to the network, along with 980 diazepam tablets classified as a Category 4 psychotropic substance.

Picture courtesy of Matichon

Police identified three groups involved: product owners, nominee pharmacies, and retail outlets supplying the drugs to youths. Offences include selling drugs without a licence, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of up to 10,000 baht, as well as illegal possession or sale of controlled substances, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to 500,000 baht.

FDA Secretary Supatra Boonserm said the agency would pursue additional charges for providing false information and entering fraudulent data into computer systems. Administrative penalties are also being prepared against those involved.

Pol Lt Gen Nattasak said the operation aimed to protect young people from drug misuse and prevent shortages in the legitimate medical supply chain, which could drive up prices for patients in need. Matichon reported that authorities plan to expand enforcement and tighten monitoring of drug distribution systems to prevent similar abuses.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Matichon 18 Apr 2026

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