Phuket officials seize illegal e-cigarettes in Bangla Road sweep
Officials seized illegal e-cigarette products and arrested several individuals during a late-night inspection in Patong’s tourist areas.
Phuket officials seized illegal e-cigarette products and arrested several individuals during a late-night inspection of Patong’s Bangla Road and nearby tourist areas on 17 September, according to The Phuket Express.
Pol. Lt. Col. Khetarat Chansilp, Phuket’s deputy governor and acting security adviser to the Ministry of Interior, led the operation, which began at 9pm and covered Patong Beach, Bangla Road and the area near Jungceylon Mall. Authorities divided the operation into three checkpoints.
The report said the action followed complaints and intelligence reports alleging widespread illegal distribution of e-cigarettes. It also reported suspicions that some state officials may have facilitated the activities.
Charges were filed under several laws, including Section 246 of the Customs Act (2017), concerning the possession or trade of goods known to have been illegally imported. Authorities also cited a 2014 Ministry of Commerce regulation banning the import of hookahs and e-cigarettes, as well as provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, Excise Act and Customs Act covering the sale, possession or import of untaxed e-cigarette products.
