Thai police say they have arrested a 42-year-old American man of Chinese descent after uncovering a suspected drug-mixing room at a house in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri.

The raid, reported on 26 September, led to the seizure of about 60 grams of MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, and ketamine. Officers allege the substances were being prepared for sale to foreigners in Thailand and abroad.

Police identified the suspect only as Mr Liu. He was taken to Nong Prue Police Station for further legal action.

Sealed room allegedly used to prepare drugs

The operation was ordered by Police Lieutenant General Natsak Cheawanasai, commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau. Consumer Protection Police Division officers worked with Immigration Bureau Division 3 investigators.

Police said they had received information that Mr Liu was allegedly manufacturing and then selling drugs to foreigners both in Thailand and abroad. After gathering evidence, officers obtained a court warrant to search his Pattaya-area residence.

Inside, they found a room with its windows fully sealed, which they said had been converted into a drug-mixing area. Powder and crystal-like substances were found on a table, along with two digital scales, an aluminium mortar and pestle, a heat bag-sealing machine, measuring glassware, beakers, syringes and numerous 5x7cm zip-lock bags.

Officers also found ingredients allegedly used to make drugs to resemble sweets or drinks, including caffeine, glucose, the sweetener sucralose, pineapple flavouring, coffee powder and milk-flavour powder.

Drugs found near kitchen and in safe

Light-brown MDMA crystals, weighing more than 60 grams according to police, were allegedly hidden in a sink behind the house near the kitchen and in a safe.

Police said a review of the suspect's mobile phone found notes listing mixing ratios of MDMA, ketamine and caffeine by number of users. The entries were said to correspond with items found at the house.

The notes also reportedly also contained names and delivery addresses in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Mr Liu admitted the seized items belonged to him, but told investigators they were for his personal use and not for sale. Police said they did not accept that explanation, citing the quantity of drugs and the equipment found.

He was charged with possessing a Category 1 narcotic, MDMA, for sale for commercial purposes; possessing a Category 2 psychotropic substance, ketamine; and using a Category 1 narcotic, methamphetamine.

Pictures courtesy of MGR Online

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27 September 2026

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