PUBLISHED: 10 Apr 2025 at 03: 30
Over 1.9 billion ringgit have been seized in a money-laundering assault activity over the past six months, with over 2,300 suspects detained for crimes involving laughing gas and e-cigarettes, according to the Royal Thai Police.
In his capacity as the head of the anti-money laundering center, deputy national police chief Pol Gen Prachuap Wongsuk met with senior officers from the Anti-Money Laundering Office ( Amlo ), Metropolitan Police Bureau ( MPB), Consumer Protection Police Division, and Provincial Police Regions 1 and 2 at a joint press conference yesterday.
The center seized assets for 1.9 billion baht from October 1 through March 31 and prosecuted 252 money laundering circumstances.
Regarding the e-cigarette onslaught, on February 26 through the following Sunday, about 2, 337 suspects were detained and more than 1.6 million smoking items were sequestered, totaling over 296 million baht.
22 significant cases’ exchange routes were examined, which resulted in asset seizures worth more than 202 million baht.
The Paetongtarn Shinawatra administration is attempting to e-cigarette sales by seizing both the goods and the money and resources of the offender.
According to the Amlo, e-cigarette-related offenses can also be categorized as offences under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, allowing for both property seizures and criminal prosecution.
All relevant organizations have received the task of collaborating with the Amlo to implement policies relating to the command of e-cigarettes.
Authorities working with the Customs Department to stop the trafficking of such products have been focusing on universities, stores, and online vendors.
Police were urged by Pol Gen Prachuap to redouble their investigations in order to stop the illegal trade, distribution, storage, and import of e-cigarettes, laughing gas, or nitric oxide.
According to him, the occurrence of e-cigarette use has increased, creating public disruption and health issues for both consumers and those close to them, especially for young people.