CHIANG RAI – Consumer Protection Police arrested two suspects after raiding an online vape business operating near a major university in Chiang Rai. Officers said the shop sold e-cigarettes and vape liquid online, with delivery options that reached customers directly.
On March 25, Pol. Maj. Gen. Kongkrit Lertsitthikun, commander of the Consumer Protection Police Division, assigned officers from Subdivision 1 to carry out the operation. The team arrested a 25-year-old woman, Pornpan, and a 25-year-old man, Panthong.
Police also seized 1,231 items, including disposable e-cigarettes and vape liquid, with a total value of about 300,000 baht.
The arrests took place at a house in Moo 11, Wiang Nuea Subdistrict, Wiang Chai District, Chiang Rai, and at a rental room in Ban San Por Taeng, Ban Du Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Rai District.
Police said the investigation began after officers learned that a seller was using the name “INFINITY” on the LINE app to offer vapes for sale.
According to investigators, the shop shipped products by mail across the country and also offered delivery service straight to customers. In areas around the university on the outskirts of Chiang Rai, the shop reportedly provided free delivery up to three times a day.
After that, undercover officers placed an order for vape liquid priced at 160 baht, including delivery. The product received was a replaceable-pod vape liquid item, sent through a private delivery company.
Police traced the shipment back to Chiang Rai and found that it came from a rental room near the university area. Officers then gathered evidence and obtained a search warrant from the Chiang Rai Provincial Court before moving in.
During questioning, both suspects admitted they owned the seized vape products and confirmed that the INFINITY shop had been selling e-cigarettes to general customers.
Police initially charged them with jointly violating the Consumer Product and Service Safety Board order banning the production for sale, sale, or service of e-cigarettes and vape liquid. They were also charged with helping conceal, distribute, buy, accept as pawn, or possess goods they knew had entered the kingdom without going through customs procedures.
Authorities have handed both suspects, along with the seized items, over to investigators from Subdivision 1 of the Consumer Protection Police Division for legal action.
