Chanthaburi Destroys 245,000 Pieces of Illegal Vapes and Beer Worth 20 Million Baht

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Customs.

 

Chanthaburi Customs has destroyed a significant cache of illegal goods, including vape devices, foreign cigarettes and foreign beer, as part of its commitment to combat smuggling and protect public health. The destruction took place on 21 February at a public area in Ban Nong Laep, located in the Pathawi district of Chanthaburi. This event was attended by local officials and representatives from various agencies.

 

The seized items, which included 245,058 pieces of vapes, vaping accessories, counterfeit cigarettes, and foreign beer, were valued at over 19.5 million baht. These items were declared state property following the conclusion of 67 legal cases related to their illegal importation and distribution.

 

According to Yodpol Vichyakul, the head of Chanthaburi Customs, this operation aligns with the directives of Teerachai Atanavanich, the Director-General of the Customs Department, who has mandated stricter enforcement against the smuggling of cigarettes and vapes, as well as other high-tax items that negatively impact the country’s economy. The initiative aims to safeguard society and enhance public health safety.

 

The recent destruction of these goods serves to demonstrate the seriousness of law enforcement’s efforts in combatting illegal activities. The authorities reported that the majority of illegal vapes were found concealed within modified vehicles designed to evade detection.

 

Officials have urged school administrators and parents to monitor students closely, as vapes are increasingly accessible, often disguised in child-friendly forms. They stressed the importance of collaboration from all sectors to effectively eliminate the illegal trade in vapes, which are classified as prohibited imports under the Ministry of Commerce’s announcement.

 

Violators of the law concerning the illegal sale of vapes may face imprisonment of up to five years or a fine equivalent to four times the value of the goods, or both, as outlined in the Customs Act of 2017. Furthermore, the illegal importation of counterfeit cigarettes is also strictly prohibited, with penalties similar to those for vape-related offences.

 

Foreign cigarettes and beer require special permits from the Excise Department for legal importation. Smuggling these products can result in imprisonment of up to ten years or fines equivalent to four times the value of the goods, or both.

 

-- 2025-02-23

 

 

[LennyW]

9 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The authorities reported that the majority of illegal vapes were found concealed within modified vehicles designed to evade detection.

So were these vehicles destroyed as well?