Indian Man Arrested at Suvarnabhumi With 4.2 Million Baht of Etomidate

Thai customs officials have arrested an Indian passenger at Suvarnabhumi Airport for allegedly smuggling around 6kg of etomidate, a controlled substance that has reportedly been used in so-called “zombie vapes.” Phanthong Loykulnant, director-general of the Customs Department, said on Sunday that officers from the Suvarnabhumi Airport Passenger Control Customs Office, together with the airport’s Investigation and Suppression Division, searched and arrested an Indian male passenger who had travelled from Mumbai, India, to Thailand. A search reportedly found Category 2 psychotropic substance etomidate (ETOMIDATE), with a total weight of approximately 6,000 grammes including packaging. The drugs were valued at more than 4.2 million baht. The alleged smuggling constitutes offences under Thailand’s Narcotics Code, the Customs Act of 2017 and other relevant laws, according to the Customs Department. Etomidate is a short-acting anaesthetic used exclusively in medical settings. It takes effect rapidly and was previously classified as a specially controlled drug before being upgraded in late July 2025 to a Category 2 psychotropic substance, listed as No. 45 and placed in the same category as ketamine. Authorities have raised concerns over the alleged use of etomidate in e-cigarette liquids, which are sometimes referred to by users as “zombie vapes” or “K vapes.” The substance can reportedly affect the brain rapidly. Initial effects may include a dream-like state, detachment from reality and feelings of euphoria. However, consuming large amounts can cause irregular heart rhythms, seizures, temporary paralysis and respiratory depression, potentially leading to unconsciousness, shock or death. The Customs Department warned members of the public and young people about the serious dangers associated with e-cigarettes containing such substances, stressing that their effects can be severe and potentially life-threatening.