Chinese Nationals Held in Chon Buri Drug Lab Bust

Police raided a luxury villa in Chon Buri, discovering it had been transformed into a drug lab producing ketamine-laced e-cigarettes known as Pod K. The operation, led by Chon Buri Governor Naris Niramaivong and Pol Maj Gen Phongphan Wongmanithet, uncovered over 80 chemical-related items and advanced processing machines.

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The villa spanned 1,600 square metres, housing a functional laboratory with active chemical-processing equipment. Two Chinese nationals, Jia Jing Zhuang and Teng Ji, were detained for allegedly overseeing the machines and charged with unauthorized work in Thailand. Police are currently expanding the investigation to track chemical origins and additional suspects.

Officers also searched a nearby warehouse tied to the operation, seizing more chemical containers and mixing equipment. Naris noted that this raid follows a similar case involving psychoactive substances in Bang Lamung. Community complaints played a crucial role in prompting law enforcement to monitor and act on the Huai Yai property.

Authorities aim to collaborate with regional police and narcotics units to dismantle the broader network involved in the operation. The focus now turns to tracing the supply chain and identifying all parties connected to the illicit production.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 19 May 2026

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