Latest news with #CPPD
Bangkok Post
10-08-2025
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Cops target distributors of illegal and dangerous goods
Authorities have seized more than 690,000 illegal and substandard products in a series of high-profile raids in Bangkok, targeting major warehouse networks and retail outlets in an intensified crackdown on unsafe goods. Deputy government spokeswoman Sasikarn Watthanachan said on Sunday the "Team Sud Soi" task force, led by Industry Minister Akanat Promphan, and permanent secretary Nattapol Rangsitpol joined forces with the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to inspect two warehouses in Bang Khun Thian district. The facilities, linked to key smuggling operations, were allegedly importing non-compliant goods and affixing counterfeit TISI marks. The first warehouse, operated by HS 138 Co Ltd, contained 42,263 items including light bulbs, fans, irons, Bluetooth speakers, and LED lamps, many lacking TISI certification or bearing fake QR codes. The second warehouse, run by DS Tools Co Ltd, housed over 600,000 pieces of goods, including shower heads, taps, power plugs, and switches, all failing to meet safety standards or carrying fake certification marks. In total, 642,000 pieces valued at over 10 million baht were seized, said Ms Sasikarn. The DSI is treating the case as a special investigation, aiming to dismantle the wider smuggling network. Mr Akanat said substandard goods pose grave risks such as electrical fires and toxic contamination, while also undermining fair competition. The ministry plans to strengthen laws, deploy "TISI Watch" scanning technology, and tighten inspections at the source. Separately, Deputy Public Health Minister Chaichana Dechdecho led a joint operation with the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) and Samphanthawong district officials to raid the "Heng Heng Supermarket" in Yaowarat on Thursday. The store, already prosecuted three times for mislabelling offences, was found selling more than 50,000 illegal health-related products -- including food, medicines, cosmetics, herbal items, and medical devices -- mostly imported from China without proper authorisation. The seized goods, worth another 10 million baht, have been handed over to CPPD investigators for legal action. Food and Drug Administration deputy secretary-general Withid Srisuriyachai warned that harmful contaminants and unsanitary production methods pose a health hazard and ordered nationwide inspections to verify the legality of products before sale. Both operations underline the government's zero-tolerance stance on hazardous goods and its commitment to safeguarding consumers, he said.
Bangkok Post
08-08-2025
- Bangkok Post
Cannabis edibles producer raided after toddler intoxicated
Police raided an illegal cannabis edibles maker in Khlong Sam Wa district of Bangkok, seizing cannabis-infused jellies and cookies worth an estimated 900,000 baht. The raid on Thursday took place in a house located in tambon Bang Chan, said Pol Maj Gen Pattanasak Buppasuwan, commander of the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD). Police arrested one man identified as Sutthiphon, 22, an employee responsible for cultivating and maintaining cannabis plants on the site. The investigation was initiated after a report in early July about a two-year-old girl who became drowsy and required hospitalisation after consuming jelly suspected to contain cannabis. Medical diagnosis confirmed the child had suffered an altered state of consciousness due to cannabis intoxication. Pol Maj Gen Pattanasak said the three-storey house had been modified with spaces to cultivate cannabis plants and produce dried cannabis flowers. The bathrooms were being used to prepare and experiment with recipes for cannabis jellies and cookies. Authorities said the site operated without any proper licensing and failed to meet health and safety standards. Mr Sutthiphon said the operation had been running for around two years. Police have initially charged Mr Sutthiphon with offences under the Food Act and the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Act. The seized products included 230 cannabis-infused jellies, 162 cannabis-infused cookies, 3.5kg of dried cannabis flowers and 54 cannabis plants. They will be sent to the Department of Medical Sciences for further analysis. Should any other controlled substances be detected, further charges will be filed accordingly, the police said.
Otago Daily Times
08-06-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Discovery of genes relevant to disease a ‘eureka moment'
University of Otago microbiologist and immunologist Dr Tony Merriman. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Treatment for calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease — more commonly known as inflammatory arthritis — may soon take a major step forward following a major discovery by a University of Otago researcher. There is an unmet need for treatment of CPPD disease, which focuses on the alleviation of inflammation with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. But University of Otago microbiologist and immunologist Dr Tony Merriman has led an analysis of the genes of 550,000 Americans with the disease, while based at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. It is a first-of-its-kind genome-wide association study into the disease and the research found two genes — RNF144B and ENPP1 — that cause the debilitating calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposits in joints. He said the genes were detected both in people of European ancestry and African ancestry. "The most significant result of our research was the discovery of one of the genes, ENPP1. "The protein encoded by this gene controls the production of chemicals — adenosine monophosphate and inorganic pyrophosphate — that, together with calcium ions, lead to the formation of the CPP crystals," Dr Merriman said. Little is known about the other gene — RNF144B — aside from the possibility it is involved in inflammation. More was known about ENPP1 and of its potential importance to people with CPPD disease. Drugs targeting the protein have been developed in the treatment of infectious disease and cancer and they could now be evaluated for the treatment of CPPD disease. Dr Merriman said the discovery opened up promising new avenues for targeted prevention and treatment of CPPD disease, which were lacking at present. Co-investigator and Brigham and Women's Hospital rheumatology, inflammation and immunity division researcher Dr Sara Tedeschi said the genome-wide association with ENPP1 was "particularly exciting" as a rheumatologist because "it makes sense". "ENPP1 generates inorganic pyrophosphate, one of the components of CPP crystals. "Patients with CPPD disease are desperate for an effective treatment and trials testing ENPP1 inhibitors in CPPD disease would be of great interest." Dr Merriman said the researchers were "thrilled" about the potential impact of their discovery and the possibility of new drugs being developed for the treatment of CPPD disease. "The findings of this study produced a 'eureka moment', which can be rare in a scientist's career."
