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Undercover Sting in Pattaya: Unmasking the ‘Zombie E-Cigarette’ Racket

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In an operation worthy of a cop drama, undercover police in Pattaya recently played a crucial role in dismantling an improbable e-cigarette racket involving three Chinese nationals. This brazen gang sold so-called “zombie e-cigarettes” via none other than the murky depths of the Telegram app. What made these e-cigarettes particularly notorious was their main ingredient, etomidate, a compound typically reserved for medical sedatives. Reports are buzzing with the news that these unscrupulous sellers were raking in a colossal sum — over 2 million baht daily!

The nefarious operation came to light when law enforcement received a tip-off about the illicit trade, which kickstarted their plan to stop the sale. Thoroughly dedicated to catching these criminals, the officers posed as everyday customers. This astute decision led them straight into the underworld dealings of these e-cigarette mavericks, as they placed an order for a significant 1,000 millilitres of vape juice laced with etomidate, commonly revered as Pod K or zombie e-cigarettes. The effects of these e-cigs can only be described as spine-chilling. Users are said to experience a state akin to a ketamine high — losing consciousness and moving in a disjointed, zombie-like manner. The potential side effects make your hair stand on end, running the gamut from severe drowsiness and lowered blood pressure to fatal consequences such as respiratory depression and even death.

With the bait set, the stage was ready for a classic sting operation. The officers orchestrated a meeting with the suppliers, who were prompted by an eye-watering payment of 970,000 baht — not exactly pocket change! A hefty deposit of 200,000 baht sealed the deal. Upon arrival at the designated location, officers met two of the suspects, Wu and Zhang, in what could be imagined as a Bond villain fortress, except it was simply a ground-floor meetup in Pattaya. The suspense was high as they escorted our undercover heroes to their lair upstairs, where they encountered the gang’s third member, a savvy Chinese woman named Yue.

The gang hardly wasted any time flaunting their illicit goods and, with an air of overconfidence, went as far as to demonstrate the alchemy involved in infusing their vape juice with the potent etomidate. If the officers weren’t convinced of the operation’s profitability, the gang’s boasts surely left an impression; they claimed exorbitant prices of 1,000 to 2,000 baht per vape unit, with daily earnings climbing to astronomical heights.

But just when the situation seemed like it might veer into the realm of Lord of the Rings villainy, the officers gave the grateful signal. Backup officers swooped in with precision timing that would make any blockbuster proud. The savvy detectives swiftly arrested the notorious trio, securing a treasure trove of evidence in the process. Their haul comprised 100 grams of etomidate powder, bottles of the wicked vape elixir, e-cigarettes, and tools that would give any homebrew aficionado serious envy. The total value? Over 510,000 baht in contraband.

As the legal twists and turns unravel, it’s unclear precisely how justice will deal with this fiendish trio. Possession and distribution of e-cigarettes, as per the Customs Act, could spell severe penalties involving imprisonment for up to five years, fines equal to four times the value of the products, or in worst case, both. It’s a plot straight out of a gripping crime series, yet it’s all too real. From a saga spun in the digital ether of Telegram to a downfall orchestrated by deft law enforcement, this Pattaya tale is a stark reminder of the sinister possibilities lurking within the modern e-cigarette trade.

29 Comments

  1. Samantha L April 1, 2025

    Wow, I had no idea e-cigarettes could be this dangerous. The effects of these zombie vapes sound terrifying!

    • Phil R April 1, 2025

      It’s hard to believe people would take such risks for a vape. Why do people even consider these things?

      • Samantha L April 1, 2025

        I guess it’s all about the thrill and the high for some. People often throw caution to the wind.

  2. Carlos April 1, 2025

    The fact that these were sold over Telegram really highlights the challenges in regulating online spaces. It sounds like something out of a movie!

    • Nina89 April 1, 2025

      Exactly! It’s like the Wild West out there. Tech companies need to step up and provide better oversight.

      • Carlos April 1, 2025

        True, but how far can they go without infringing on privacy rights? It’s a delicate balance.

  3. Tom G April 1, 2025

    The police deserve applause for handling this operation so well. This is exemplary policing!

    • Vic April 1, 2025

      Agreed, but I can’t help worry about the other similar operations we don’t hear about. There’s probably a lot more out there.

    • Tom G April 1, 2025

      Yes, but catching one group might deter others. I hope this sends a strong message.

  4. Liz88 April 1, 2025

    Are the health risks from these vapes really worse than regular cigarettes? Sounds like they’re super deadly.

    • Dr. Sam April 1, 2025

      They’re certainly more dangerous! Etomidate is a powerful sedative, far from anything in conventional cigarettes.

  5. beachbum34 April 1, 2025

    What I want to know is how these guys were bringing in 2 million baht a day. Who are the buyers?

  6. Karen T April 1, 2025

    I can’t believe the penalties for e-cig possession are so severe in Thailand. Five years is steep!

    • Ryan April 1, 2025

      It sounds like a deterrent to me. If you know what you’re risking, maybe people will think twice.

    • Maddie April 1, 2025

      Across Asia, they tend to have strict laws. It’s all about controlling a black market culture.

  7. Dave April 1, 2025

    This story could totally be the plot for a new TV series. The undercover operation was so intense!

    • Sally M April 1, 2025

      Haha! Netflix special, perhaps? They should hire writers based on real cases like this.

    • Dave April 1, 2025

      Seriously, the suspense, the drama… it’s perfect material!

  8. oldmanlego April 1, 2025

    I remember when cigarette smuggling was the big issue. Times have changed!

  9. Jerry April 1, 2025

    How did the authorities gather the evidence? It’s amazing they got everything so neatly tied up.

    • Chuck April 1, 2025

      Seems like they did their homework. Patience and good intel are key in these operations.

    • Jerry April 1, 2025

      Indeed, meticulous planning never fails. Glad it turned out well.

  10. Esme April 1, 2025

    Couldn’t they have found a safer and legal way to sell vapes? Greed seems to always lead to doom.

    • Frank D April 1, 2025

      Legal avenues aren’t always as profitable, unfortunately. Many choose the high-risk, high-reward paths.

  11. MysticSea April 1, 2025

    Props to the informer who tipped off the cops. They’re the real MVP here.

    • Sal April 1, 2025

      I wonder if there was a reward for such info. Putting oneself at risk like that is commendable.

  12. wittywriter April 1, 2025

    The trio’s arrogance was their downfall. If they hadn’t showcased their operation, they might have gotten away.

  13. UrbanTrekker April 1, 2025

    The moral of the story? Don’t mess with the law in foreign countries, especially in places like Thailand!

  14. JBones April 1, 2025

    I’m still shocked at how they thought using medical sedatives was a good idea. People will do anything for a quick buck!

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