Illegal contraband network worth 75 million baht exposed in Prachinburi
A nationwide web of illegal contraband, including foreign tobacco and wine liquor, valued at over 75 million baht (US$2,138,580) was exposed by excise officers in Prachinburi on November 25. The illicit products were discovered during a raid operation at a postal centre in Kabinburi, led by Prachinburi excise officer, Nitipat Songnetichawalit.
The operation was initiated based on suspicions of the boxes within the postal centre containing contraband products. An exhaustive search resulted in the unveiling of 78,880 packs of illegal foreign tobacco and 204 bottles of unauthorised wine liquor. Market value estimates of these seized goods hover around the 75 million baht mark.
Nitipat, the spearhead of the operation, provided insights regarding the contraband’s transportation routes. The illegal products, he revealed, were smuggled through the borders in Chanthaburi, Trat, and Sa Kaeo before being brought to the postal centre in Kabinburi, Prachinburi. From there, the goods were distributed nationwide.
Contraband items were moved across the Chanthaburi, Trat, and Sa Kaeo borders, making their way to the postal hub in Kabinburi, Prachinburi, from where they were subsequently dispersed throughout the country, reported The Pattaya News.
The revelation of this illicit trade network has prompted the Kabinburi law enforcement agencies to pledge a thorough follow-up investigation. This is with the aim to hold all individuals involved accountable for their crimes, as such activities bear significant detriment to the national economy and security. The seized goods are currently in police custody as disputed property, awaiting further legal proceedings.
In related news, authorities in southern Thailand conducted a successful raid on an illicit cigarette shop in Hat Yai, seizing a significant amount of contraband and cash. The joint operation involved police, administrative officials, and the Excise Office, resulting in the arrest of two individuals.
The shop, operating clandestinely and importing illegally, was discovered following complaints and coordinated efforts. The crackdown aims to curb the sale of counterfeit cigarettes in the region. To read more, click HERE.
