PHUKET — Russian national arrested in Phuket with 1 kg of cannabis and 200+ vaping devices worth nearly 1 million baht ($29,500). The 24-year-old faces charges for illegal drug distribution, smuggling, and working without a permit. Local authorities continue crackdown on illegal e-cigarettes and cannabis sales.
A 24-year-old Russian national, identified as Mr. Artem, was arrested by Wichit Police at his residence in Suk Nirun 1 Alley, Wichit Sub-district, Mueang District, Phuket Province on March 26.
During the raid, authorities discovered over 1 kilogram of dried cannabis flowers in clear packaging of various brands, numerous e-cigarettes, cannabis extract cartridges of different brands, and more than 200 smoking devices. The total value of the seized items is estimated to be nearly 1 million baht.
Mr. Artem faces multiple charges including selling or processing controlled herbs for commercial purposes without permission under the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Act 1999, possession of Category 5 narcotics without permission, concealing, selling, removing, buying, accepting as pledge, or receiving goods known to be imported into the Kingdom by evading duties, prohibitions, or restrictions (e-cigarettes), and working as a foreigner without a work permit.
Police Colonel Somsak Thongkliang, Superintendent of Wichit Police Station, stated that e-cigarettes are currently spreading throughout various provinces. Officials are working together with the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office and other related agencies to continuously inspect and arrest those who smuggle and sell e-cigarettes and cannabis without permission in their areas of responsibility, in accordance with government policy.
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