Police seize 45 suspected stolen motorcycles in Phu Sang
Phu Sang Police have seized over 45 motorcycles, suspected of being stolen, as they were reportedly being prepared for illegal sale to neighbouring countries. These motorcycles, many brand new, were found hidden in an abandoned office building, raising concerns about a potential cross-border smuggling operation.
Somchai Wongchariyakasem, the district chief of Phu Sang, led the operation after receiving a tip-off from local administrative officials. The raid took place in Ban Huak, Moo 12, Phu Sang subdistrict, Phu Sang district, Phayao province. Officials discovered the motorcycles at an old, unnumbered sawmill office, with most of the vehicles traced back to different areas across the country.
The operation was a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies, including the 10th Phu Sang District Volunteer Defence Company, Task Force 3108, Phayao Internal Security Operations Command, the 2nd Phayao Provincial Volunteer Defence Company, Phu Sang Police Station, Border Patrol Police 326, and interception units 15 and 16 from the 4th Interception Command of the Northern Border Patrol.
Upon inspection, police confirmed the presence of 45 motorcycles, along with one dismantled into parts. A preliminary check revealed that over 70% of these motorcycles were new, comprising popular models like Honda Wave, Honda PCX, and Yamaha Fino.
Remarkably, nearly every motorcycle had documents indicating hire purchase agreements. Some displayed odometer readings as low as one kilometre, while the highest was under 20 kilometres, said Somchai stated.
“This seizure was a coordinated effort involving intelligence from both administrative and police forces. We had information about a network planning to smuggle motorcycles to neighbouring countries using natural border routes between Ban Huak and the Lao town of Mueang Khop. Additionally, there has been an unusual increase in motorcycle imports recently.”
Stolen motorcycle
The discovery prompted a meeting to strategize on monitoring motorcycle movements in and out of Phu Sang district, especially following recent intelligence reports of impending illegal exports. In addition to the seized motorcycles, another bike was found dismantled in a nearby abandoned house.
Many of these vehicles were still fitted with licence plates from provinces such as Uttaradit, Chon Buri, Bangkok, and other southern regions. However, several new motorcycles lacked any licence plates, with odometer readings ranging from one to 20 kilometres, said Somchai.
“We have instructed officials to transport all motorcycles to the Phu Sang Police Station for further investigation. The police will trace their origins to determine if they are stolen. If confirmed, we will contact the rightful owners to recover their vehicles.”
He further mentioned that investigations would also focus on identifying those responsible for hiding the motorcycles. If found guilty of wrongdoing, legal proceedings will be initiated against them, reported KhaoSod.
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