Police Pickup Crashes into Streetlight, Revealing Large Haul of Smuggled Cigarettes

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

A police officer in Trat province was injured after losing control of his official pickup truck and crashing into a streetlight on the evening of 16th February. However, what was initially seen as just a crash, soon took a dramatic turn when authorities discovered a large quantity of smuggled cigarettes inside the vehicle.

 

The incident occurred at approximately 18:30 on Sukhumvit Road, near Wat Tha Sen in Laem Klat subdistrict, Mueang Trat district. Officers from Ban Tha Luean Police Station and rescue personnel responded to the scene, where they found a severely damaged police pickup truck belonging to Provincial Police Region 2.

 

The driver, a 37-year-old non-commissioned police officer, suffered minor injuries, including abrasions and back pain. Rescue teams provided first aid before transporting him to Trat Hospital for further medical attention.

 

A closer inspection of the scene revealed that the vehicle had collided with a streetlight, causing it to collapse across onto the central reservation. More startling, however, was the discovery of over 300 cartons of smuggled foreign cigarettes, packed in black plastic bags and plastic containers, both inside the vehicle and in the truck bed.

 

When questioned about the incident, Pol. Col. Montri Jina, superintendent of Ban Tha Luean Police Station, confirmed that the vehicle and the injured officer were indeed from the police force. He stated that investigators were awaiting the officer’s recovery to determine the origin of the contraband.

 

“The cigarettes found in the vehicle are foreign brands without excise stamps. We need to conduct a full investigation to establish how they ended up in a police vehicle. If any wrongdoing is uncovered, legal action will be taken accordingly,” Pol. Col. Montri stated.

 

Authorities have seized the smuggled cigarettes for further examination while awaiting the officer’s statement. The case has raised serious concerns, and police officials have assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted.

 

-- 2025-02-17

 

[JoePai]

🤣🤣🤣 love it 

[NE1]

All a big Misunderstanding , he had arrested a smuggling gang ( but they got away ) and confiscated their ill gotten gains and was transporting them to his police station to book them in as evidence.

🤣

[OneMoreFarang]

I am sure this hero police officer confiscated the cigarettes from the bad guys hours earlier.

He was just late writing that report. Sure, 1000% sure! 

[mikebell]

  On 2/16/2025 at 10:12 PM, Georgealbert said:

police officials have assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted.

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Then quietly shelved and the cigs shared among the local station.

[CallumWK]

  On 2/16/2025 at 10:12 PM, Georgealbert said:

We need to conduct a full investigation to establish how they ended up in a police vehicle.

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Oh, how these cigarettes come here? Someone must have dropped them in the trunk while I wasn't looking

[ozz1]

Another example of our fine upstanding police force nothing to see here he will be reinstated tomorrow

[spidermike007]

One thing many of us know is that the RTP are involved in a multiplicity of criminal activity, smuggling, drug running, and who knows what else? The one thing that they're not doing much of is law enforcement and engaging in anything that even remotely resembles Traffic Safety or Public Safety. 

[khunjeff]

So he's an incompetent black marketeer in addition to being a terrible driver 🙄

[hotchilli]

  On 2/16/2025 at 10:12 PM, Georgealbert said:

If any wrongdoing is uncovered, legal action will be taken accordingly,” Pol. Col. Montri stated.

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I'm sure he was just taking them to a safer location.

[hotchilli]

  On 2/17/2025 at 5:22 AM, khunjeff said:

So he's an incompetent black marketeer in addition to being a terrible driver 🙄

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On the contrary, I'm sure he's a fine and upstanding police officer.

Apprehended the perpetrator, single highhandedly loaded him and the haul into the bed of the truck, however due to severe road conditions he lost control,  during the seconds after the crash the perpetrator managed to abscond the scene.

Unfortunately in his haste the officer also forgot to take down the criminals details.

 

 

[PETERTHEEATER]

Hitting a lamp standard on the central reservation.....sideways.......

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Police Officer Suspended After Smuggling Cigarettes in Major Scandal

 

 

Picture of police order.

 

A police officer from the Second Regional Police Division has been suspended from the force following his involvement in a major illegal cigarette smuggling operation.

 

The officer, identified as Sergeant Major Ekkapoj, was found guilty of smuggling contraband cigarettes, a serious violation of both law and the professional code of conduct. Authorities launched an investigation into his activities after receiving credible information about his involvement in the illegal trade, which has been linked to a broader network of smugglers operating in the region.

 

The decision to dismiss the officer was confirmed today by the Second Regional Police Division, who acted swiftly after completing their internal investigation. The police statement emphasised that such actions are unacceptable and violate the principles of integrity and trust that the force upholds.

 

In response to the incident, a spokesperson from the police department stated, “The actions of Sergeant Major Ekkapoj are deeply regrettable. The police force is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and will take appropriate action against anyone found to be involved in illegal activities.”

 

The smuggling ring that the officer was implicated in reportedly imported large quantities of contraband cigarettes, evading customs duties and taxes. The operation caused significant financial damage to the state, with authorities now working to track down other members of the network.

 

The officer’s dismissal is part of a broader crackdown on corruption within the police force, as the department aims to restore public confidence and ensure that its members adhere to strict ethical guidelines.

 

Further investigations are expected as more individuals involved in the smuggling operation are identified, with the authorities promising to continue their efforts to dismantle illicit trade networks and uphold justice.

 

 

-- 2025-02-17

 

[G Rex]

Wow!   Good work PC Plod!

[phil2407]

1 nice driving (not) 

2 now nicked 

3 now suspended or fired

4 who helped you? 

[Mr Meeseeks]

  On 2/17/2025 at 7:10 AM, Georgealbert said:

the principles of integrity and trust that the force upholds.

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  On 2/17/2025 at 7:10 AM, Georgealbert said:

The police force is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism

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🤣🤣🤣

[Lodestone]

 

[wavodavo]

  On 2/17/2025 at 1:08 AM, NE1 said:

All a big Misunderstanding , he had arrested a smuggling gang ( but they got away ) and confiscated their ill gotten gains and was transporting them to his police station to book them in as evidence.

🤣

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No, you've got it all wrong. He found the 300 cartons of cigatettes and was taking them home because he and his wife are heavy smokers.