THAI POLICE SEIZE 260,000 E-CIGARETTES, ACCESSORIES WORTH 130 MILLION BAHT

BANGKOK, March 18 (Bernama) -- The Royal Thai Police have confiscated over 260,000 e-cigarettes and related accessories, with an estimated value exceeding 130 million baht (US$3.87 million), during raids conducted across 10 locations in Nonthaburi province on Tuesday.

Assistant Commissioner-General Pol. Lt. Gen. Samran Nuanma said the raids, conducted under search warrants as part of "Operation Smoke Out" – a joint effort between the Metropolitan Police Bureau and Provincial Police Region 1 – targeted locations involved in the storage and distribution of e-cigarettes and e-liquids.

He described the seizure as one of the largest to date, involving high-value premium products, each estimated to be worth around 500 baht.

"This operation aligns with government policies. To date, over 800,000 items worth more than 200 million baht have been confiscated," he told reporters on Tuesday.

Samran added that the confiscated items would be destroyed in accordance with regulated procedures, similar to those used for narcotics destruction.

Meanwhile, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra praised the police for their coordinated efforts, which successfully disrupted a major e-cigarette operation.

Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, Jiraporn Sindhuprai, conveyed the Prime Minister’s concerns over narcotics – such as ketamine – being mixed with e-cigarette liquids, which has led to fatalities.

“The confiscated items will be handed over to the Customs Department for valuation and further investigation into the financiers and importers involved," she said.

She added that Paetongtarn also instructed the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation to educate students, teachers, and school staff about the dangers and illegality of e-cigarettes.

"If any educational personnel, who are expected to serve as role models for young people, are found using e-cigarettes, they will face both legal and disciplinary action," Jiraporn said.

Jiraporn said the government is committed to protecting public health, especially among young people, and will enforce stricter measures to create an e-cigarette-free society.

-- BERNAMA