BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai authorities have intensified operations against the smuggling of illegal cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nitrous oxide gas, and etomidate, with total seizures between October 2025 and May 2026 exceeding 409 million baht in value. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan said the crackdown is being carried out under government policy to increase enforcement against illegal trade networks.
Joint operations involving the Customs Department, the Central Investigation Bureau, and the Royal Thai Police resulted in the seizure of more than 49 million cigarettes worth over 225 million baht; more than 548,000 e-cigarettes and related accessories valued at over 71 million baht; more than 140,000 cylinders of nitrous oxide gas worth over 95 million baht; and 28 kilograms of etomidate valued at more than 18 million baht.
Investigators said smuggling networks have adapted their methods to avoid detection, including separating e-cigarette components and falsely declaring them as ordinary electronic products. They also uncovered online distribution channels and parcel delivery systems linked to illegal cigarette sales, while customs officials seized large quantities of illegal products from shipping containers, postal parcels, and arriving passengers.
Authorities also warned about the growing spread of etomidate mixed into e-cigarette liquids, commonly known as “space oil” or “zombie cigarettes,” saying the substance poses serious risks to the respiratory system, heart, and brain. (NNT)
