Two Chinese Nationals Arrested in Chon Buri 'Zombie Drug' Lab Bust
Thai police raided a luxury villa in Chon Buri, uncovering a sophisticated drug laboratory producing ketamine-laced e-cigarettes, known locally as 'Pod K'. Two Chinese nationals were arrested on suspicion of working illegally. Authorities seized numerous chemicals and drug-making equipment, with further investigations revealing a nearby warehouse used for storing additional illicit materials.
Thai authorities conducted a raid on a luxurious pool villa in Chon Buri on May 19, after discovering it had been converted into a clandestine drug laboratory. Led by Chon Buri Governor Naris Niramaivong and Pol. Maj. Gen. Phongphan Wongmanithet, Commander of Chon Buri Provincial Police, officials executed a search warrant from the Pattaya Provincial Court. The operation uncovered machinery and various chemicals linked to the production of ketamine-laced e-cigarettes, locally known as 'Pod K'.
The expansive villa, spanning approximately one rai (1,600 square meters), comprised two two-story buildings. During the search of the rear building, police found over 80 chemical-related items on the first floor, including 20-liter blue plastic containers, tins, sacks, black boxes, and other storage units. The second floor had been fully transformed into a sophisticated laboratory, where officers discovered large glass containers and three operational chemical-processing machines. Police identified the substance being produced as Etomidate, colloquially known as a 'zombie drug', believed to be a primary ingredient in 'Pod K', a substance popular among nightlife tourists.
Two Chinese nationals, Jia Jing Zhuang (47) and Teng Ji (24), were apprehended at the villa. They face charges of working in Thailand without proper authorization. The suspects reportedly admitted to their roles being limited to property surveillance and overseeing the chemical mixing equipment. Both individuals were taken in for further questioning.
Following up on surveillance that indicated frequent movement between the two locations, investigators subsequently searched a warehouse situated about 20 kilometers from the villa. At the warehouse, officers located additional chemical containers, including 20-liter and 200-liter drums, glass tubes for chemical mixing, and scales. This equipment was seized as evidence, appearing unused and ready for illicit chemical production.