Aranyaprathet: Police from the Technology Crime Suppression Division raided and arrested the admins of a popular page for illegally selling e-cigarettes in Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province. The operation led to the seizure of a substantial amount of evidence.
According to Thai News Agency, the raid was conducted under the leadership of Pol. Lt. Col. Surachoke Kangwanwanich, following an order from Pol. Lt. Gen. Jiraphop Phuridet, Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau. The suspects, Mr. Chakkrit and Ms. Wachiraphon, were apprehended in a commercial building located in the center of Aranyaprathet. Among the items confiscated were 1,900 electronic cigarettes and accessories, a mobile phone, and a tablet.
The operation was initiated after the Technology Crime Suppression Division received a tip-off from their online patrol system. It was discovered that a Facebook account with 4,900 followers and an official Line ID had been advertising e-cigarettes for sale, prompting the authorities to take action. Upon arrest, the suspects confessed to owning the commercial building where the illegal sales were taking place.
The police charged the suspects with jointly selling e-cigarettes, which is a violation under the Customs Act B.E. 2560, Section 246. The suspects, along with the evidence, were then handed over to the investigation officer at Aranyaprathet Police Station for further legal proceedings.