The latest operations, carried out yesterday (July 23), targeted one shop in Wichit and another in Patong as officials continued inspections under the province’s wider enforcement campaign.
In Wichit, officers from the Phuket Provincial Administrative Operations Unit, working with the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office and other agencies, conducted a sting operation at two cannabis shops after receiving intelligence alleging the illegal sale of controlled herbal products.
A 22-year-old man was arrested after undercover officers purchased cannabis products before the raid.
Authorities seized 266 grammes of dried cannabis flowers, 14 pre-rolled cannabis joints, 4.2g of cannabis extract, five electronic cannabis pods and equipment used in the business, including a digital scale, cannabis trays, grinder and pre-roll papers. The seized items were valued at about B120,000.
Officials said the cannabis extract and electronic cannabis pods have been sent for scientific testing to determine their active ingredients before further legal action is taken.
The suspect was charged with selling or processing controlled herbal products for commercial purposes without a licence under the Protection and Promotion of Traditional Thai Medicine Act before being handed over to Wichit Police for further legal proceedings.
Earlier the same day, Kathu District officials raided the ‘MAX WEED’ shop in Patong.
During that operation, officers arrested one suspect and seized 12 dozen cannabis flower clusters, a sales ledger and a digital scale.
The suspect was charged with selling or processing controlled herbal products for commercial purposes without the required licence and was transferred to Patong Police Station.
The latest arrests follow a series of cannabis enforcement operations across Phuket.
Last week, authorities raided four cannabis shops in Phuket Town, arresting five people and seizing cannabis products worth more than B2.9 million.
The intensified inspections come after Deputy Interior Minister Teerarat Polapee earlier this month ordered every licensed cannabis shop in Phuket to be inspected following allegations that some businesses continued operating despite licence suspensions and failed to comply with new medical cannabis regulations.
Provincial officials have repeatedly said inspections will continue as part of the province’s ‘Operation 90 Days’ campaign targeting illegal businesses, drugs and organised crime, warning that cannabis operators found violating licensing laws will face prosecution.
However, despite the continued crackdown on cannabis businesses across Phuket, authorities have still provided no update on any investigation into the series of major cannabis smuggling cases uncovered at Phuket International Airport earlier this month.
From July 1-8, officials arrested several foreign nationals attempting to leave Thailand with large quantities of cannabis concealed in their luggage, including seizures of more than 31kg, 31.7kg and 17.6kg.
While police have credited increased baggage screening for the arrests, they have yet to explain the apparent surge in export attempts or identify those responsible for supplying the cannabis.