Chinese man held in Pattaya etomidate vape raid

Pattaya police have arrested a Chinese man and a Thai woman after seizing 69 vape pods containing etomidate during a raid at a house in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi.

The operation took place at about 8pm on 27 July 2026 at a property in Soi Map Yai Lia 21. Police said the raid formed part of the government's drug-prevention and suppression policy and was aimed at a network dealing in narcotics and controlled substances.

Two suspects held after house search

The suspects were named as 37-year-old Chinese national Mr Tao Yang and 20-year-old Sunisa.

Police also seized an iPhone 15 Plus and an iPhone 16 Pro Max from the property, along with the 69 "pod K" vape heads said to contain etomidate.

The raid was carried out by Pattaya City Police investigators, led by Police Captain Phubes Ruamsap, deputy investigation inspector at Pattaya City Police Station. The operation was overseen by Major General Phongphan Wongmanithet, Chonburi Provincial Police commander, alongside provincial and Pattaya police commanders.

Allegations include controlled substance and vape sales

Police said both suspects face allegations of jointly possessing a Category 2 psychotropic substance, etomidate, for sale, and attempting to sell it without permission. Officers said the alleged offences were carried out for commercial purposes and risked spreading the substance among the public.

They also face allegations under the Consumer Protection Act in connection with the sale of electronic cigarettes, which the law prohibits from being sold, and under the Customs Act.

The pair and the seized items were handed to investigators at Nong Prue Police Station for legal proceedings. Police said they are continuing their investigation to identify and locate other people believed to be involved in the network.

Pictures courtesy of ฉลาม นิวส์

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29 July 2026

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