BANGKOK – Police have dismantled a major illegal operation selling unregistered silicone implants and medical products online to beauty clinics across Bangkok, seizing contraband worth 8 million baht ($251,525).
Police Lieutenant Colonel Weerapong Klaithong, Chief of the Consumer Protection Police Bureau (CPPB) Division 4, executed a search warrant from the Bangkok South Criminal Court alongside Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials, targeting an illegal online distributor supplying unregistered medical devices and pharmaceuticals to multiple beauty clinics in Bangkok.
During the search of a suspicious building in Soi Sathu Pradit 57, Bang Phong Phang Subdistrict, Yan Nawa District on September 22, authorities arrested 34-year-old Ekasit, who admitted to managing the operation.
Large-Scale Seizure
The search operation uncovered a substantial cache of illegal medical products, including 13,021 nose silicone implants, 1,404 chin silicone implants, and 1,192 pieces across 15 different pharmaceutical products, with authorities estimating the total value at 8 million baht ($251,525).
The investigation began after authorities received intelligence about the illegal distribution of substandard cosmetic implants and unregistered medications to more than 20 beauty clinics throughout Bangkok, an operation that had reportedly been running for over three years.
Multi-Year Illegal Sales Network
During questioning, Ekasit admitted to overseeing the distribution network that supplied both established beauty clinics and individual customers through online sales channels. The 34-year-old suspect now faces multiple charges including selling unlicensed medical devices, distributing modern pharmaceuticals without authorization, and trafficking unregistered medications.
The case has been transferred to CPPB investigators for further legal proceedings as authorities work to trace the full extent of the distribution network.
Health Risks of Illegal Implants
Police Colonel Pattanasakdi emphasized that all silicone implants for cosmetic procedures must meet “Medical Grade Silicone” standards – specially manufactured to be sterile and safe for human body use.
“Cosmetic silicone implants are classified as medical devices requiring FDA inspection and licensing to ensure quality, standards, and safety,” he warned. “Using illegal silicone or unregistered drugs poses serious health risks including inflammation, infection, disfigurement, or even death.”
Authorities vowed to continue intensive crackdowns on such illegal operations to protect public health and safety.
_____________