BANGKOK — Thai narcotics officials are searching for four Chinese suspects following the seizure of chemical precursors used to manufacture Etomidate, a substance increasingly being abused in e-cigarettes.
In a press conference at the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) on December 12, Secretary-General Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat Lakboon announced that authorities discovered seven types of chemicals stored in a Bangkok warehouse. The raid followed an intelligence sharing operation with China’s National Narcotics Control Commission (NNCC).
The investigation began on October 30 when NNCC alerted Thai authorities about suspected Etomidate production activities in Thailand, linked to recent arrests in China. A joint operation involving multiple agencies, including the ONCB, Naval Intelligence Department, FDA, Consumer Protection Police, and NNCC, led to the warehouse raid in the Samae Dam area of Bang Khun Thian district on December 11.
“The 2,200 liters of chemicals seized could produce 200 kilograms of Etomidate, worth approximately 140 million baht (30 million yuan, $4 million) and could be used as an additive in up to 600,000 e-cigarette units,” Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat stated.
Etomidate, a short-acting anesthetic, has emerged as a substance of concern due to its abuse potential. When misused, it can cause tremors, loss of balance, and potentially permanent neurological damage or respiratory failure. The drug has gained popularity in China and Taiwan, particularly when mixed with e-cigarettes, and has been linked to cases of abuse.
While Etomidate is not currently classified as an illegal substance in Thailand, ONCB plans to propose its listing as a Category 2 psychotropic substance. The four Chinese suspects, who rented the warehouse and are wanted in China on drug-related charges, remain at large in Thailand. Authorities are working to apprehend them for extradition to China.
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