Ratsada raid seizes illegal e-cigarettes and untaxed cigarettes near school

Phuket officials raided a convenience store in Moo 3, Ratsada, at about 6:30pm on May 6 after complaints about illegal sales near a school, seizing 42 disposable e-cigarettes and 100 packs of untaxed cigarettes. Phuket City District Chief Siwat Rawangkul led the operation after residents complained and a tip-off circulated on a local news page.

Officials had first checked reports of illegal cigarette sales near a traffic light intersection and monitored the area for more than a week.

Seizure followed weeklong monitoring and fresh complaints

The original premises named in the complaints appeared closed when officers investigated. Authorities said further complaints then directed them to a nearby convenience store that was still selling prohibited items.

The seized e-cigarettes were 42 “Salt Hub” disposable devices, each advertised as providing up to 9,000 puffs. Officers also confiscated 100 packs of “John BLACK” cigarettes that did not carry official tax stamps.

A QR code payment sign used for transactions was taken as evidence during the raid. Suspects arrested at the scene were handed to investigators for legal proceedings.

Officials also photographed and documented the operation for submission to the Office of the Narcotics Control Board Region 8 for consideration of further action under the Kratom Act. Siwat said enforcement would continue against illegal activity in the area, particularly cases near schools and affecting surrounding communities.

Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/ratsada-raid-nets-illegal-e-cigarettes-kratom-sales-near-school-100127.php