Police busted a major online operation selling illegal vaping products on Wednesday, arresting two suspects and seizing 30,000 illegal items worth about 15 million baht.
The shop, named ‘VST ?????????’, had been selling e-cigarettes and related devices via the Line app and advertised with shipping services for customers nationwide, Pol Lt Gen Natthasak Chaowanasai, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) commissioner, said.
A male suspect, identified as Somchai Jenwajeeporn, 64, was arrested in front of a branch of J and T Home delivery service in soi Sukhumvit 101 in Bangkok’s Phra Khanong district.
He was caught arriving there at the wheel of a black Mitsubishi Space Wagon. A search of the vehicle discovered 400 parcels containing vapes intended for shipment, police said.
Mr Somchai said he picked up the goods at a storehouse in soi King Kaew in Bang Phli district in Samut Prakan. This information led to the arrest of Chanisa Kunpakawa, 40, who admitted being the owner of the premises.
Police seized about 30,000 vaping items stored there, including disposable, refillable and replaceable pod-type e-cigarettes and accessories. Their estimated value was 15 million baht.
Others items impounded as evidence were a bank book, debit cards and 1.6 million baht in cash.
Both suspects allegedly admitted to charges of owning and selling illegal goods. The case was transferred to the Consumer Protection Police Division for further proceedings, Pol Lt Gen Natthasak said.