Thai Police Bust Makers of Cough Syrup Used to Make Illicit Kratom Cocktails

A raid by Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) busted facilities producing illegal cough syrup, an ingredient often mixed with kratom in 4x100 cocktails.

The raid took place in Bangkok and the provinces of Nakhon Pathom and Samut Sakhon at four different locations: A factory in Kamphaeng Saen district of Nakhon Pathom that was producing the fake cough syrup, a courier company in Thawi Watthana district of Bangkok that was distributing the product, a label maker in Muang district of Samut Sakhon, and a storage warehoue.

The cough syrup is an illegal concoction that is sometimes mixed with kratom tea, coca-cola, and ice to make "4x100" cocktails.

This is not how kratom is traditionally consumed in Thailand. Traditional use involves either chewing fresh leaves or brewing them into a tea.

The ingredients of the counterfeit cough syrup have gone unreported.

The first report in Thai media about the 4x100 kratom cocktail appeared around 2018. The media coverage initially focused on the health risks and the increasing popularity of the drink among young people, especially in the southern provinces of Thailand.

Its been debated as to whether the 4x100 drink was popular before the media coverage of it, or if it became popular because of the negative media coverage.

The purpose of the cough syrup as an ingredient in 4x100 has also been unclear. Depending on the source, cough syrup could contain antihistamine, codeine or dextromethorphan.

FDA Secretary-General Dr Withid Sariddeechaikool made a statement warning citizens not to abuse the cough syrup, antihistimines, or 4x100 drinks.

In 2021, kratom became decriminalized in Thailand after having been illegal since 1943. Regulations on the manufacture, sale, and possession have been put in place. Thai authorities continue to arrest kratom vendors who do not follow regulations.