BANGKOK – Officers from the 191 Patrol Unit announced on Friday the arrest of four individuals from ASEAN neighboring countries and a Thai national on charges of selling e-cigarettes and drugs in Bangkok’s business district. All suspects were charged at the Makkasan Police Station.
The arrested individuals include Mr. Jayden, a 23-year-old Singaporean, Ms. Ketdao, a 24-year-old Thai, Miss Maria, a 25-year-old Filipino, and Mr. Joel, a 28-year-old Singaporean. The arrests took place at a condominium near Thong Lor area, and continued to another condo in Rama 9, Bangkapi Subdistrict, Huai Khwang District, Bangkok, at 5:00 PM on May 15.
Authorities seized substantial evidence, including 63 drug-laced e-cigarette pods (methamphetamine), 37 drug-laced e-cigarette pods (heroin), 17 e-cigarette devices, and 26 bubble wrap packages.
Additionally, they confiscated 6 packets of Happy Water, 54 ecstasy pills, 3 bags of MDMA powder weighing approximately 1.89 grams, 2 bags of MDMA capsules containing 8 pills, 10 bags of white crystalline ketamine weighing approximately 10.81 grams, 1 bag of ice weighing approximately 1.04 grams, and 170 Five Five pills.
They also seized 3 mobile phones, 10 bank account books, 2 electronic cash cards, and 376,000 baht in cash.
The investigation revealed that e-cigarette pods laced with methamphetamine, commonly known among tourists as “Pot-K”,” were being sold and had gained popularity among young people. These pods were sold via the Line app for 4,000 baht per pod, with a discount when buying two pods for 7,000 baht. When customers placed an order, the sellers delivered the product to the specified address via GrabBike.
Upon discovering that the dealers were storing “Pot-K” at a condo near entertainment hubs in the Thong Lor area, authorities arranged a sting operation. An undercover agent ordered a Pot-K pod for 3,500 baht, paid via bank transfer, and upon successful payment, the pod was delivered, leading to the arrest of the four suspects.
Mr. Jayden and Ms. Ketdao face multiple charges:
- Possession of a schedule 1 narcotic (methamphetamine) for sale,
- Unlawful possession of a schedule 1 narcotic (methamphetamine),
- Possession of a Schedule 1 narcotic (ecstasy, happy water or methamphetamine) for sale,
- Possession of a category 1 narcotic (ice, ecstasy or MDMA) for sale,
- Possession of a category 2 psychotropic substance (ketamine, Five Five) for sale,
- Violation of the orders of the consumer protection authority by selling prohibited products (e-cigarettes and corresponding liquids).
Ms. Maria is charged with possession of a Schedule 1 narcotic (ecstasy, “Happy Water,” or methamphetamine) for sale and unlawful possession of a Category 1 narcotic (heroin). Mr. Joel is charged with possession of a Schedule 1 narcotic (ecstasy, “Happy Water,” or methamphetamine) for sale.
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