Chinese National Arrested Near Pattaya, Thailand for Illegal Sale of Ketamine-Laced Vapes

Key Points

• Suspect: 41-year-old Chinese national, Yu Shizhone, residing in Thailand for over 8 months.
• Sting Operation: Police arranged to buy 200 K-vape pods worth 200,000 baht; Yu attempted to flee in a white Toyota Yaris but was caught nearby.
• Seizures: 24 K-vape pods and 1 used pod found in vehicle; residence search uncovered a 9mm Sig Sauer handgun, 25 rounds of ammunition, 28 methamphetamine pills, crystal methamphetamine, ketamine, and drug paraphernalia.
• Confession: Yu admitted to selling K-vapes illegally but claimed some drugs and the gun belonged to acquaintances. Police remain skeptical after drug tests confirmed narcotics in his system.
• Charges: Violations of the Narcotics Act, Customs Act (e-cigarettes), and Firearms Act. Investigation ongoing.

According to a report by The Pattaya News on August 22, at 8:00 PM on August 21, 2025, police in Banglamung District, Chonburi Province, Thailand, successfully arrested a 41-year-old Chinese national, Yu Shizhone, in the Huai Yai area. He is suspected of illegally selling ketamine-laced e-cigarettes, known as “K-vapes”, through online platforms.

Investigators discovered that Yu had been using online platforms to sell ketamine-laced e-cigarettes, commonly referred to as “K-vapes,” targeting both Chinese and Thai customers. Police organized an undercover purchase of 200 K-vape pods for 200,000 baht (1,000 baht each).

When Yu suspected a trap, he attempted to escape in a white Toyota Yaris but was intercepted near a pharmacy in Takhian Tia, about one kilometer from the arranged meeting point.

A search of his vehicle uncovered 24 K-vape pods hidden under the driver’s seat and one used pod. A subsequent raid on his residence in Huai Yai uncovered a 9mm Sig Sauer handgun, 25 rounds of ammunition, 28 methamphetamine pills, drug paraphernalia, as well as quantities of crystal methamphetamine and ketamine.

During questioning, Yu admitted to residing in Thailand for more than eight months and selling K-vapes illegally. He claimed the methamphetamine belonged to another Chinese friend and the firearm had been pawned by a Thai acquaintance. However, police doubted his explanations after toxicology tests confirmed drug use, and noted his unusual behavior, including smiling during evidence photos despite facing serious charges.

Yu is now facing multiple charges under the Narcotics Act (possession and use), Customs Act (related to e-cigarettes), and Firearms Act. Authorities confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and legal proceedings will follow.