On Nut: Police authorities have conducted a significant raid on an online e-cigarette distribution company in the On Nut area, uncovering over 100,000 items of evidence. Central Investigation Police collaborated with the Metropolitan Police to execute a court warrant, leading to the discovery of evidence valued at more than 50 million baht. An analysis of the company’s financial accounts revealed deposits exceeding 100 million baht.
According to Thai News Agency, the Central Investigation Bureau, spearheaded by the Consumer Protection Police Division and the Crime Suppression Division, executed the raid on a four-story commercial building in the Prawet District. The company, suspected of storing and distributing imported e-cigarettes from China, reportedly generated over 10 million baht monthly through online sales.
The authorities had been monitoring Mr. A, the company owner, for more than four months. Surveillance revealed that Mr. A frequently withdrew cash ranging from 350,000 to 500,000 baht daily using mule accounts. During the raid, police officers discovered 11 employees packing products for shipment, fulfilling online orders.
Interrogations with the company owner and employees confirmed daily sales of e-cigarettes and flavored e-liquids, with orders ranging from 350 to 500 pieces per day. The products, priced between 250 and 2,500 baht, were purchased from a Chinese investor importing these items for over two years. Bank account investigations revealed deposits surpassing 100 million baht.
Pol. Gen. Prachuap Wongsuk, deputy national police chief, disclosed that the suspect admitted to attempting to clear stock despite ongoing police crackdowns. The raid yielded 30,000 e-cigarettes, 35,000 refillable e-liquids, 5,000 e-cigarette coils, and 50,000 replaceable e-liquids, totaling over 100,000 items and valued at more than 50 million baht.
The police plan to bring the company owner and 12 employees to the Consumer Protection Police Division for legal proceedings. They face charges related to violating the Product and Service Safety Committee’s orders, specifically the prohibition of e-cigarette sales. Additionally, authorities intend to employ the Anti-Money Laundering Act to seize assets and accounts linked to the suspects.