Phuket City District Chief Siwat Rawangkul led a special operations team to conduct the raid in Moo 3, Ratsada, at about 6:30pm yesterday following complaints from residents and a tip-off circulated on a local news page.
Officials initially investigated reports of illegal cigarette sales near a traffic light intersection in the area, monitoring the location for more than a week. Although the original premises appeared closed, further complaints pointed to a nearby convenience store continuing to sell prohibited items.
During the operation, officers seized 42 ‘Salt Hub’ disposable e-cigarettes, each advertised as providing up to 9,000 puffs, along with 100 packs of ‘John BLACK’ cigarettes found without official tax stamps. A QR code payment sign used for transactions was also confiscated.
The suspects were arrested at the scene and handed over to investigators for legal proceedings.
Authorities also recorded details of the operation, including photographs, for submission to the Office of the Narcotics Control Board Region 8 to consider further action under the Kratom Act.
Mr Siwat said officials would continue to crack down on illegal activities in the area to maintain public order, particularly those taking place near schools and affecting local communities.