Two Cannabis Shops in Phuket’s Kata Beach Raided, More Than 500,000 Baht in Goods Seized

Immigration Police raided two cannabis retail shops in Kata Beach, Phuket, on Thursday, July 16, seizing 40 items with an estimated street value of more than 500,000 baht and investigating suspected violations involving foreign workers and cannabis sales.

Phuket Immigration said the operation was conducted at approximately 10:00 p.m. as part of a nationwide policy targeting foreign nationals who enter Thailand illegally, evade prosecution abroad or engage in unlawful work using Thai nominees.

Investigators targeted the two outlets after suspecting that foreigners were being employed without the required permits. Police found a Thai man and a Myanmar national at the scene. Authorities said the Myanmar national was observed selling cannabis products directly to customers and managing the shop operations.

Officials identified multiple alleged violations, including working without proper authorization, working outside permitted conditions and selling food products without proper labeling.

The suspects were handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings. Police said the investigation would be expanded to identify the actual owners of the businesses, including possible foreign backers and Thai nominees.

Authorities are also coordinating with relevant agencies to review the cannabis retail licenses connected with the shops.