Kratom production facility under illegal operation dismantled in Samut Prakan
In a significant move to combat the production and distribution of illicit substances, Thai authorities have taken action against a network of pharmacies in Pathum Thani and a kratom drink factory in Samut Prakan. These operations have uncovered the production of kratom-laced drinks, including the notorious concoction known as "4x100."
The "4x100" is a dangerous mixture of kratom, cough syrups, painkillers, tramadol, and antihistamines, designed to create an intoxicating effect. The production and sale of these substances are illegal, with severe penalties:
- Producing and selling prohibited food products: Up to two years in prison and/or a fine of up to 20,000 baht. - Selling unauthorized pharmaceutical drugs: Up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to 10,000 baht.
The illegal drinks are often marketed and sold online, disguised as fruit juices or syrups to evade detection. The recent raids, a result of prior arrests of counterfeit cough syrup manufacturers and sellers targeting teenagers, have led to the seizure of over 2,000 bottles of kratom-infused drinks valued at more than 200,000 baht.
The operation in Pathum Thani saw six pharmacies raided by police and FDA officials, with the suspects and evidence taken into custody for further investigation. Further investigation revealed a network of pharmacies set up for distributing cough syrup for kratom-mixing purposes.
In Samut Prakan, authorities found a factory manufacturing sweet drinks laced with the energy-boosting herbal supplement kratom. Four men were found at the scene, along with large vats for boiling kratom. The suspects are now facing charges for producing and selling prohibited food products and selling unauthorized pharmaceutical drugs.
The use of kratom-laced drinks, especially when mixed with other substances, poses serious health risks. Mixing kratom with other substances can lead to euphoria and potential overdose due to the combination of substances. The use of unapproved pharmaceuticals in these drinks heightens the risk of adverse reactions and long-term health issues.
This ongoing crackdown highlights the commitment of Thai authorities to combat the illegal production and distribution of these substances. As the investigation continues, it is hoped that this will serve as a deterrent to those involved in the production and sale of these dangerous substances.
[1] [Thai PBS World](https://www.thai-news.com/thailand/thai-police-raid-kratom-drink-factory-seize-over-2000-bottles-of-illegal-beverages-664087) [2] [Bangkok Post](https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2108110/kratom-drink-factory-busted) [3] [The Nation](https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30416936) [4] [Bangkok Post](https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2107775/fda-to-take-action-against-kratom-drinks-sellers)
The illegal kratom-laced drinks, disguised as fruit juices or syrups, pose significant risks to mental-health and overall health-and-wellness due to the combination of substances like kratom, cough syrups, painkillers, tramadol, and antihistamines. The production and sale of these concoctions are illegal in Thailand, carrying penalties such as imprisonment and hefty fines for producing and selling prohibited food products and selling unauthorized pharmaceutical drugs.
