Five Arrested in Joint Operation
Authorities arrested five employees and seized over 5,000 unlicensed drugs and herbal products during raids on six minimarts in Bangkok’s Pratunam and Chatuchak districts. The operation, conducted on Wednesday, exposed illegal sales practices and unauthorized personnel posing as pharmacists.
Joint Police and FDA Action
Responding to Public Complaints
The Consumer Protection Police Division, led by Pol Maj Gen Pattanasak Bupphasuwan, collaborated with Food and Drug Administration officials to inspect the stores after reports of unapproved medicines and herbal products being sold. The raids aimed to enforce compliance with Thailand’s strict pharmaceutical regulations.
Unlicensed Products Uncovered
Minimarts Lack Proper Authorization
Investigators discovered 5,382 unregistered items, spanning 351 types of medicines and herbal products, openly displayed for sale. None of the minimarts held licenses to sell these products, and they lacked certified pharmacists to oversee dispensing, violating mandatory health and safety standards.
Charges Against Employees
Thai and Migrant Workers Detained
The arrested employees—two Thais, two Myanmar nationals, and one Lao—face charges for selling medicines without permits and impersonating licensed pharmacists under the Pharmacy Profession Act. Their actions breached regulations designed to protect consumers from unsafe or unregulated products.
Seized Items and Ongoing Probe
Investigation Expands to Others Involved
All confiscated items and the detained employees were transferred to the Consumer Protection Police Division’s sub-division 4 for legal proceedings. Authorities are broadening the investigation to identify and hold accountable additional individuals linked to the illegal drug distribution network.
Enforcing Pharmaceutical Compliance
Safeguarding Public Health
This crackdown underscores Thailand’s commitment to regulating the sale of medicines and herbal products to ensure public safety. By targeting unlicensed operations, police and FDA officials aim to prevent the distribution of potentially harmful substances in Bangkok’s retail sector.
