Thai police have arrested a 51-year-old Malaysian man named Sam and his Thai accomplice, Nut (46), following an investigation into the production and sale of "zombie" vapes laced with etomidate in Hat Yai. The operation was uncovered after officers received tips about dangerous vape pods being delivered to teenagers by car; they stopped a vehicle on Rattakan Road carrying 400 filled pods containing the medical anaesthetic.
During their investigation, police traced Nut's deliveries back to a rented house on Supasarnrangsan Road where equipment for mixing and filling the vapes was found. Along with these items, authorities seized over 1,200 additional components including empty pods, end caps, mouthpiece caps, and liquid concentrate labeled "ESSENTAIL OIL," totaling more than one million baht in value. Both suspects admitted to their roles but claimed they were instructed by another Malaysian national who had brought the raw materials from abroad.
The two men are now charged with unauthorized possession of a Category 2 psychotropic substance for sale and illegal e-cigarette sales. Authorities warn that inhaling etomidate through vapes can cause rapid central nervous system depression, leading to rigidity, loss of consciousness, or motionless states where victims remain unaware of their surroundings. Police continue the investigation to identify the primary supplier and any other individuals involved in directing these deliveries.
What are your thoughts on how effective current regulations are at stopping such cross-border vape operations?