In a swift operation that concluded as efficiently as a plot twist in a detective novel, police officers in Chokchai district have successfully apprehended Wanakaset “Film” Wattanakaset, a 29-year-old entrepreneur of the illicit variety. This modern-day bootlegger had allegedly transformed a seemingly innocent daily rental room into a bustling hub for the distribution of contemporary contraband—e-cigarettes infused with illegal substances and a sordid selection of narcotics including ketamine pods and methamphetamine.
The suspect’s financial feats appeared as staggering as the plot of a top-grossing crime series, with transactions reportedly totaling a whopping 1 million baht (that’s about US$29,985) over just six months. But the curtain was brought down on his enterprise on the sunny afternoon of April 20, when an elite task force, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Pinyo Wiangkam and overseen by Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, as well as other senior officials like Police Major Generals Nopasilp Poolsawat and Pallop Aremra, ensnared him at a hotel in Bangkok’s Wang Thonglang district.
In a dramatic sequence reminiscent of a climactic raid scene, the diligent officers discovered a veritable smorgasbord of evidence in room 417 on the fourth floor. They uncovered 50 ketamine-laced e-cigarette pods, a sachet audaciously labeled “happy water,” and 0.92 grams of methamphetamine—the illicit inventory laid bare in a room once deemed inconspicuous. This revelation came hot on the heels of a tip-off from an informant, who likely chuckled with satisfaction as the drama unfolded.
Once inside, the officers identified themselves and wasted no time getting to the heart of the operation. The scene could have been pulled straight from the script of an action thriller as they unveiled drug paraphernalia galore. With barely a nudge, Wanakaset admitted to the possession of these prohibited pleasures and coolly confessed to having taken a hit of methamphetamine just before the law knocked on his door. Mystifyingly, in two weeks of room rent, he’d managed to move enough ketamine pods to rival a small franchise, selling each for 1,800 baht (around US$55).
Further sleuthing revealed a stream of delivery riders frequenting his doorstep, no doubt appearing like an odd parade of couriers, each eagerly picking up packages of dubious delight. Although cash was strangely not found during the raid, a quick glance at his bank account painted a prosperous picture, boasting a turnover that surpassed the sensational sum of 1 million baht.
In a striking twist no fictitious tale would dare overlook, an immediate urine test confirmed the presence of methamphetamine in Wanakaset’s system, followed by a medical endorsement of his clandestine indulgence. As fate would have it, our beleaguered protagonist Wanakaset now faces a formidable list of accolades—ahem, charges: possession of a category 1 drug without permission, illegal consumption of methamphetamine, defying consumer protection regulations by selling e-cigarettes and related products, and possession of illegal e-cigarettes under customs laws.
With the spotlight firmly on him, Wanakaset “Film” Wattanakaset now finds himself in a less glamorous setting, handed over to Chokchai Police for the ensuing legal odyssey. It’s a tale as riveting as any found on the crime pages, brought to you by KhaoSod, with picture souvenirs capturing the intriguing saga.
I can’t believe how brazen this guy was! Did he really think he could get away with selling ketamine-laced e-cigs?
Right? It’s like one of those crime dramas where the criminal gets too cocky. I mean, a million baht in transactions over six months? That’s bound to get noticed.
Definitely a reality check for him now. Do you think this will deter others from trying the same thing?
And in a daily rental room! It’s hardly a Fortress of Solitude. Just a matter of time before he got caught.
One must question the enforcement priorities here. Our resources are better spent on rehabilitation and education rather than chasing after low-level syndicate players.
Come on, Dr. Theo, it’s not like he was just selling candy. These are dangerous substances. Society needs protection.
True, Joe, though I argue that the problem often lies in demand, which incarceration alone won’t solve.
I think it’s both! Stop the supply AND educate to reduce demand. We can’t just leave dangerous operations like these running.
Honestly, I’m not surprised. E-cigs have been getting out of control. People think because it’s not ‘smoking’ it’s safe.
Exactly! And with these laced ones? It’s terrifying some people don’t think before they try them.
It’s definitely a wake-up call. Wonder how many people unknowingly consumed those nasty ingredients.
With the right lawyer, do you think he’ll get off lightly? It’s just crazy with the evidence they have on him.
Honestly, it’s tough. The evidence is too strong, but good lawyers can make plea deals that reduce sentences significantly.
Why are people so obsessed with ‘happy water’? It’s dangerous and just asking for trouble.
I wonder how many of these ‘delivery riders’ knew what they were dropping off. Were they complicit or unwitting participants?
As a delivery rider myself, it happens more than you think. Often, you’re in the dark about your packages.
Legal punishment or not, the bigger issue is environmental. E-cig waste is rampant and unchecked.
True! All that electronic waste and those disposed pods end up causing pollution.
Exactly, and it all perpetuates a cycle that’s harmful to our planet. We need stricter recycling laws.
A 29-year-old running his own empire. Almost makes you wonder about the missed talents if applied legally.
For sure! Skills like that should be harnessed positively. We need better paths for young entrepreneurs.
The price of ketamine pods is outrageous! I can’t believe people are willing to pay that much.
An illegal empire brought down not by elite police work, but by a tip-off. Trust no one!
A real shame he got caught. If only he stuck to legal business, he’d be a millionaire either way.
That’s assuming he had the skills to run a legal business. Illegal operations are often easier at the start.
What’s next for Wanakaset, a Netflix series? His downfall reads like it was scripted for TV.
These types of operations highlight the gaps in our law enforcement’s ability to keep up.
Agreed, Hillary. But sometimes the law does catch up, as we’ve seen here.