Pattaya Police Raid: Chinese Ring Sold Thousands of Drugged Vapes
Pattaya, Thailand—In a targeted sting operation, Thai police apprehended three Chinese nationals—two men and one woman—for illegally selling e-cigarettes and a dangerous concoction known as “zombie vape.” The arrests, conducted Sunday in a room on Pattaya 315 Road, resulted in the seizure of significant vaping paraphernalia, including approximately 100 grams of powdered etomidate, an anesthetic used in medical settings. This operation underscores growing concerns about the unregulated e-cigarette market and its potential to facilitate the distribution of dangerous substances. The Bangkok Post reported on the arrests earlier this week.
According to Pol Maj Gen Patanasak Bupphasawan, commander of the Consumer Protection Police Division, the suspects—identified as 31-year-old Zhang, 35-year-old Wu, and 35-year-old Yue (full names withheld)—allegedly moved a large volume of product.
“The suspects admitted to daily sales of about 1,000 e-cigarettes to tourists and young people. They priced a vape at 2,000 baht, so they earned about 2 million baht a day.”
The operation, launched following reports of online sales via the LINE chat app, culminated in an undercover purchase of one liter of zombie vape fluid. Police made a 200,000 baht deposit on the 970,000 baht “purchase” before making the arrests. The total value of confiscated goods is estimated at 513,590 baht. The suspects face charges related to the illegal sale of e-cigarettes, vaping liquid, and distribution of contraband goods.
This incident is not isolated. Thailand has been struggling with the rise of illicit e-cigarette sales, reflecting a global trend of increasing concern over the health risks and potential for substance abuse associated with vaping. Thailand banned e-cigarettes in 2014, citing health concerns and the potential for youth addiction. However, enforcement has remained challenging, with a thriving black market persisting. Other countries, such as India and Brazil, have also enacted bans, while others, like the United States and the United Kingdom, are implementing stricter regulations. The global landscape is complex and evolving, with countries adopting varied approaches to address this burgeoning public health challenge.
The potential consequences of this incident, and the ongoing struggle against illegal e-cigarette trade, are significant. The influx of dangerous substances like etomidate into the market poses a serious public health threat. Furthermore, easy access to e-cigarettes, especially for young people, remains a serious concern.
Here’s what you need to know:
- What is “zombie vape”? It refers to vaping liquid laced with potentially harmful substances, in this case, the anesthetic etomidate.
- Why is etomidate dangerous? Etomidate is a controlled substance that should only be administered by medical professionals. Its misuse can lead to serious health consequences, including respiratory depression and death.
The arrest of these Chinese nationals represents a significant step in combating the illicit e-cigarette trade in Thailand. However, it also underscores the need for continued vigilance and stricter enforcement of existing regulations. The discovery of “zombie vape” further highlights the potential for dangerous substances to infiltrate the unregulated market, posing a significant threat to public health and reinforcing the need for global collaboration to address this growing problem.
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