The operation was carried out at about 5:40pm by the Phuket Provincial Administration Special Operations Unit (Maneekram Unit), together with Kathu District officials and the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office, following complaints about illegal sales in the Bangla Rd area and nearby locations.
Officials said the investigation confirmed the complaints, leading to the arrest of 10 suspects – five men and five women. The group comprised eight Thai nationals and two Myanmar nationals.
Authorities seized marijuana, e-cigarettes and smuggled cigarettes with an estimated total value of about B200,000.
One Myanmar man was charged with selling cannabis without permission under the Thai Traditional Medicine Protection and Promotion Act and with working illegally in Thailand.
The remaining nine suspects ‒ four Thai men, four Thai women and one Myanmar woman – were charged with offences relating to the possession and sale of smuggled cigarettes and e-cigarettes.
The charges include possession and sale of goods imported without customs clearance, possession and sale of untaxed goods under the Excise Act, and selling e-cigarettes in violation of the national ban.
All suspects and the seized items were handed over to investigators at Patong Police Station for further legal action.
The raid was conducted under the direction of Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum, Vice Governor Pol Lt Col Khetarat Chansilp, acting Provincial Permanent Secretary Siwat Rawangkul and Kathu District Chief Wittaya Jitsupap, said an official report of the raids.
Officials said similar enforcement operations would continue as part of efforts to improve public order and tourist safety in Phuket.