KRABI, THAILAND – Investigators in Krabi dismantled a cannabis operation that allegedly produced and sold high‑potency extracts with THC levels of up to 77 percent, arresting five suspects and seizing assets worth about 3 million baht.
Raid in a major tourist province
The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) reported that officers from its Region 8 unit carried out operations in Krabi on 12 and 13 March targeting the production and distribution of illegal cannabis products. According to the agency, the raids focused on facilities suspected of processing cannabis into concentrates that breached national drug laws.
Authorities said the operation involved investigators from the provincial police, the Tourist Police, forensic specialists and the Krabi Provincial Public Health Office. The joint team coordinated searches and evidence collection across the site linked to the alleged processing activities.
Foreign operator and four Thai aides
During a search of a cannabis farm operation, officers arrested an Israeli national identified by authorities only as Moshe, described as the operator of the facility. He was taken into custody at the site in connection with the suspected production of illegal extracts.
Four Thai nationals were also detained on allegations that they acted as nominee shareholders to register the company in the foreigner’s name. Investigators said the group was believed to have helped structure the business to conceal foreign control.
Lab results turn cannabis into a narcotic
At the location, officers found cannabis extract products and submitted samples for laboratory testing. The lab reported THC levels of up to 77 percent in the seized items.
These concentrations were far above the legal threshold of 0.2 percent THC set in a 2022 notification by the Ministry of Public Health. Under that rule, any extract exceeding 0.2 percent THC is classified as a Category 5 narcotic.
Second sweep finds Kief, Hash and Moonrock
Following additional leads, authorities returned to the premises on 13 March for a further search. During this second sweep, officers seized more cannabis extracts linked to the same operation.
Officials listed Kief, Hash and Moonrock among the items taken, describing them as products known for particularly high THC concentrations. These forms of processed cannabis were added to the evidence already collected.
New charges and frozen assets
The suspects subsequently faced allegations of illegal production, possession and distribution of cannabis extracts classified as narcotics for commercial purposes. Authorities said the case would proceed under laws covering the manufacture and sale of Category 5 substances.
In parallel, officials seized assets and froze bank accounts linked to the group, with an estimated value of around 3 million baht. The financial measures were aimed at dismantling the operation’s alleged profit network.
ONCB seeks wider network, promotes hotline 1386
ONCB Secretary-General Pol Lt Col Suriya Singhakamol was quoted by Daily News as saying the case illustrated the close coordination of multiple anti-drug agencies working to stop the processing of cannabis into illegal concentrates.
“The case shows the close coordination of several anti-drug agencies to stop the processing of cannabis into illegal concentrates.”
said Pol Lt Col Suriya Singhakamol, ONCB secretary-general.
The ONCB announced it would expand the investigation to identify any broader network connected to the Krabi operation. The agency pointed to its 24‑hour 1386 hotline and urged the public to provide information that could support ongoing and future drug control efforts.
Debate over Thailand’s cannabis grey area
The case again raised the question of how strictly Thailand could police the grey area between the legal cannabis industry and illegal high-THC extracts. Authorities and businesses continued to navigate the boundaries set by public health and narcotics regulations.
Community voices were invited to consider what rules and controls might be appropriate without placing all legitimate operators and tourist destinations under general suspicion. The debate formed part of a wider national discussion on balancing economic opportunity with drug control.