Executive Summary
- Thai police arrested a 32-year-old Chinese national in Bangkok for manufacturing etomidate-laced vape cartridges.
- Authorities seized 552 “zombie pods” and production equipment at a Sukhumvit condominium.
- The operation is linked to a wider network targeting tourists in Bangkok and Pattaya.
- Officials warn that the anesthetic etomidate can cause respiratory depression and unconsciousness when inhaled.
Thai narcotics police arrested a Chinese national in Bangkok on Monday following a raid that uncovered an illegal operation manufacturing e-cigarette cartridges laced with the anesthetic drug etomidate. The arrest is part of an intensifying crackdown on dangerous vaping products known locally as “zombie pods.”
The suspect, identified by authorities as Li, 32, was apprehended at a condominium complex in the Sukhumvit 13 area. According to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, the location served as a production base for the illicit products. During the search, officers seized 552 ready-to-sell cartridges containing etomidate, along with empty pods, production equipment, and packaging materials intended for distribution.
Investigators stated that Li confessed to supplying the laced cartridges to customers in the Huai Khwang district for approximately 1,200 baht ($35) per unit. The operation follows an expanded investigation initiated in late November targeting a network of Chinese nationals allegedly supplying these adulterated vapes to nightlife venues in Bangkok, Pattaya, and Nonthaburi.
Prior to Monday’s arrest, officers raided a rented property in Pattaya on December 20, arresting another Chinese national and seizing products valued at over 10 million baht ($318,000). Lt. Gen. Archayon Kraithong, Commissioner of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, reported that the network specifically targets foreign tourists and nightlife patrons.
Lt. Gen. Kraithong explained that etomidate is a fast-acting medical anesthetic used to induce temporary unconsciousness. When inhaled through e-cigarettes, the substance can cause severe intoxication, dizziness, respiratory depression, and hallucinations, posing significant health risks to users.
Public Safety and Enforcement Strategy
This arrest underscores a growing public health concern regarding the adulteration of recreational vaping products with regulated medical anesthetics in Southeast Asia’s tourist hubs. Law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to dismantle supply chains that market these “zombie pods” to unsuspecting tourists, citing severe risks of overdose and respiratory failure. Li has been charged with illegal possession of a Category 2 controlled substance with intent to sell. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
