Chinese Nationals Arrested in Pattaya for Selling E-Cigs and “Zombie-Vape”
Thai police arrested three Chinese nationals in a sting operation in Pattaya, seizing vape pens and “zombie-vape” liquid, an illicit mix containing the powerful anaesthetic etomidate. The suspects allegedly admitted to generating sales of approximately 2 million baht per day.
Pol Maj Gen Patanasak Bupphasawan, commander of the Consumer Protection Police Division, announced on Monday that the suspects—identified only as Zhang, 31, Wu, 35, and Yue, 35—were apprehended in a rented room on Pattaya 315 Road on Sunday. Their full names were not disclosed.
During the raid, authorities confiscated around 100 grams of powdered etomidate, e-cigarettes, and mixing equipment used to produce the illegal vape liquid. The total value of the seized goods was estimated at 513,590 baht.
The arrests stemmed from a police sting operation, where an officer posed as a buyer and ordered one liter of zombie-vape fluid. The officer placed a 200,000-baht deposit for a transaction totaling 970,000 baht.
According to police, the suspects admitted to selling around 1,000 e-cigarettes daily, primarily targeting tourists and young people. Each vape device was sold for 2,000 baht, generating millions in daily revenue.
The three suspects were charged with the illegal sale of e-cigarettes and vaping liquid, as well as trafficking contraband goods. Authorities continue to crack down on illicit vaping products amid rising concerns over their health risks and illegal distribution.
