BANGKOK — Thai authorities seized more than 13 million baht ($401,090) worth of illegal Chinese cosmetics and contraband cigarettes in separate raids across Bangkok, dismantling two foreign- backed operations accused of distributing unlicensed beauty products and smuggled tobacco online.

Illegal Cosmetics Operation Dismantled

In Bang Bon district, officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Consumer Protection Police Division uncovered nearly 70,000 pieces of unauthorized cosmetics valued at over 7 million baht ($216,000). The products—hair dyes, sanitary pads, sunscreen, and skin creams—lacked FDA approval and Thai-language labeling.

Jitta Meetongthanakon, secretary to the public health minister, said it was the second time the warehouse had been raided. The same facility was searched in January 2024, when illegal hair dye products linked to severe hair loss were seized. Legal action from that case remains ongoing.