Butt out: Phatthalung police snuff out illegal cigarette ring
Police in Phatthalung launched a major operation yesterday dismantling a significant illicit cigarette network with raids at seven locations. This operation, the largest of its kind in southern Thailand, resulted in the seizure of over 400 boxes of untaxed cigarettes and the arrest of seven individuals.
Under the leadership of Ruanglak Ruengyungmee, Isara Charoenchasri, and Sakchai Rojarat, more than 50 officers from administrative departments and territorial defence volunteers executed the raids across Phatthalung yesterday, December 18.
They targeted three illicit cigarette shops and four warehouses, uncovering a substantial amount of untaxed cigarettes and liquor, along with other contraband items.
The operation also included the arrest of individuals connected to the sale and storage of these illegal goods. Additionally, officers recovered documentation detailing payments to various officials, suggesting further corruption within the system.
The network behind these illegal activities disguised their operations by opening general shops as a front, selling directly to consumers and distributing cigarettes to local stores. The reach of this operation is spread across the country, facilitated by online sales and deliveries through private companies.
This crackdown was initiated following complaints by locals to the Department of Provincial Administration, highlighting the ease with which minors could access illegal cigarettes.
Illegal cigarettes
Investigations revealed Phatthalung as one of Thailand’s top three hubs for illegal cigarettes, with statistics indicating that over 75% of cigarettes consumed in the province were untaxed.
This has resulted in significant revenue losses, amounting to 10 million baht annually for the government.
The investigation unveiled that the cigarettes were smuggled into Thailand from neighbouring countries. These goods were originally declared as transit cargo destined for a third country but were offloaded clandestinely in Phatthalung.
From there, they were distributed nationwide. There are suspicions of local influential figures being involved, given past instances where significant smugglers were arrested but reportedly managed to avoid prosecution through connections with state officials.
Despite previous arrests, these groups have managed to resume operations, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement.
Further investigations by the task force revealed that the smugglers were audaciously transporting illegal cigarettes from warehouses to various shops in broad daylight, showing a blatant disregard for the law and the presence of law enforcement, reported KhaoSod.
Ruanglake warned potential buyers of buying stolen contraband.
“Almost 100% of the seized cigarettes are counterfeit, posing severe health risks not only to smokers but also to those around them. The production process is unknown, and harmful substances could be mixed in.”
