Thai-German man held over drug vape sales in Pattaya

Banglamung police have arrested a 21-year-old Thai-German man accused of selling drug-containing vape cartridges in the Pattaya area, following an undercover operation in Naklua.

Richard Seliger was detained on 27 August after allegedly handing a "K pod" vape cartridge to an informant outside an unnumbered rental room in Soi Photisan, Moo 6, Naklua, Banglamung district, Chonburi.

Police said the informant bought one cartridge for 1,500 baht after officers received information from local youths that a man was selling the products.

Undercover purchase leads to arrest

The operation followed police enquiries into drug problems around Naklua Soi 8, also known as the Old 100-Year Market area.

Pol Col Sarawut Noochanart, superintendent of Banglamung Police Station, assigned the investigation team led by Pol Lt Col Yongyut Wanneua, deputy investigation superintendent, and Pol Lt Col Wuttipong Kasa, an investigation inspector.

After arranging the purchase, the informant was told to meet Seliger outside the rental room. Detectives were positioned nearby and moved in after he allegedly passed the cartridge to the informant.

Police identified Seliger as Thai-German. During questioning, he reportedly admitted selling the cartridge for 1,500 baht, saying the informant had contacted him and that he selected the meeting point.

More cartridges and ketamine found

Seliger also allegedly told officers that further cartridges were hidden in a drawer in his wardrobe.

A search of the room found 10 K pod cartridges, another 10 cartridges in dark yellow packets marked "Mango", and about 0.51 grams of off-white crystalline ketamine, including the bag's weight, police said.

Officers also seized seven used vape heads, two mouthpieces, packaging from used cartridges and other packing equipment.

Police said he was charged with attempting to sell and selling a Category 2 narcotic, etomidate, for commercial purposes, as well as possessing it without permission. He also faces an allegation of possessing etomidate and the Category 2 psychotropic substance ketamine without authorisation.

Picture courtesy of Daily News

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27 August 2026

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