PATTAYA, THAILAND – Thai police arrested a Chinese man accused of selling liquid ketamine disguised as e-cigarette pods after an undercover operation in a luxury condominium.
Undercover sting in luxury condominium
Under the codename “Clip the Wings”, officers from Pattaya and Chonburi province carried out a targeted operation against 44-year-old Chinese national Si Jiandong. An undercover officer posed as a buyer and ordered 100 bottles of the ketamine product known as “Pod K” for 90,000 baht (about 2,250 euros) in cash. The meeting took place in the common area of Jiandong’s own luxury condominium, where police moved in after the exchange of goods and money.
Ketamine disguised as e-cigarette liquid
“Pod K” was described as liquid ketamine, a strong dissociative drug filled into vape devices rather than a harmless nicotine liquid. The product reportedly had no conspicuous smell and looked like legal e-cigarette accessories, and was said to be particularly common among young tourists and expats in Pattaya. Authorities warned that uncontrolled dosing could lead to life-threatening overdoses, psychosis and severe addiction.
Search leads to second apartment
Officers seized the Pod K bottles, two mobile phones and a car from Jiandong at the condo. His statements led investigators to a second apartment in Soi Kor Phai, where they found additional equipment indicating drug-related activities. Police were examining whether the Chinese suspect was part of a larger network and charged him with “sale of prohibited products” and “distribution of smuggled goods” before transferring him to Nong Prue police station.
Pattern of foreign dealers in tourist hubs
The case was linked by authorities to a wider trend targeting tourist destinations. In December, another Chinese national was arrested in Pattaya over an alleged Pod K factory in a house, where almost 5,000 bottles were seized. In November, police on Ko Pha-ngan detained another foreigner accused of offering drugs to tourists.
“Pattaya and other tourist destinations are magnets for foreign drug dealers who want to exploit the market.”
said a police spokesman.
Thailand steps up anti-drug strategy
The “Clip the Wings” action formed part of a tougher national strategy, with authorities increasing the use of undercover operations and targeted intelligence. Police said they aimed not only at street-level dealers but also at major suppliers and manufacturers, with closer cooperation between the tourist police, immigration and provincial forces. The message to criminal foreigners was described as clear: Thailand was not a safe haven for their operations and their “wings” would be clipped.