Illicit cigarettes seized in Buriram; 42 million baht loss reported
Police in Buriram have apprehended wholesalers and small retail shops involved in selling illicit cigarettes with counterfeit excise stamps, imported illegally from China, causing a 42 million baht (US$1.2 million) loss to the state. On January 22, officials from the Excise Department’s regional and local branches, alongside the Central Investigation Bureau, conducted operations in Pakham district and Mueang Buriram district to seize contraband cigarettes.
Investigations revealed that the seized cigarettes were smuggled from abroad, avoiding excise duty, and sold in retail stores. During a raid, officials uncovered 151 packs of cigarettes concealed within a small shop.
This led to further probes into a wholesale supplier in Pakham district, where an additional 51,000 contraband cigarette packs were confiscated, reported KhaoSod.
All seized cigarettes have been held as evidence, and the individuals involved have been transferred to investigators for further legal proceedings. Charges include importing goods without proper and complete tax payment under Section 186, possession of untaxed goods under Section 203, and possession for sale of untaxed goods under Section 204.
In related news, Excise Officers at Region 2, along with Phanat Nikhom police intercepted a white pickup truck suspected of smuggling cigarettes and beer into Phanat Nikhom, Chon Bur, at noon on June 14 last year. The police had been investigating reports of contraband transportation in the area and successfully tracked down the vehicle, which was owned by a private company.
Upon inspection, officers seized over 1,000 cartons of various brands of smuggled cigarettes and more than 50 boxes of beer. The truck driver and three passengers claimed they had been hired to transport the parcels from Chachoengsao to Phanat Nikhom, unaware that the goods were smuggled.
Initial investigations revealed that the contraband originated from a neighbouring country and was smuggled through Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo. Police are now working to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the smuggling operation to ensure they are held accountable for their crimes.
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