Smuggled Cigarettes Hidden in Parcels Seized at Border Checkpoint

Picture of seizure.

Authorities in Kanchanaburi have seized packs of smuggled cigarettes concealed inside sealed parcels, in an apparent attempt to evade detection. The operation took place on 28 February, at a border checkpoint in Sangkhla Buri district, following a tip-off about illegal contraband being transported from the border.

The seizure was part of a joint operation led by Major General Asadawut Panyarachun, commander of the 9th Infantry Division and Surasi Task Force, in coordination with Kanchanaburi Governor, Athisan Intra. The crackdown is part of the government’s initiative to combat smuggling along border routes.

Acting on intelligence received earlier that day, Colonel Pannasak Phreawpanich, commander of the 29th Infantry Regiment, and Colonel Piyanes Patrasasawatwong, deputy commander of the Lad Ya Task Force, deployed officers from the 134th Border Patrol Police Unit and Sangkhla Buri Police Station to set up a checkpoint at Nam Krik, a suspected smuggling route near Songkaria Village, Nong Lu Subdistrict.

During the operation, officers stopped a black Toyota Revo pickup truck driven by Mr. Watthana, a private courier service employee. Upon inspection, they discovered large cardboard boxes sealed and packed as standard parcels. Inside, they found smuggled cigarettes, with no documentation indicating proper tax payment.

Mr. Watthana told police that he had collected the parcels from a logistics company in Moo 9, Nong Lu Subdistrict, and was instructed to deliver them to Royal Thai Air Force Wing 7 in Surat Thani and a residential area in Sung Noen District, Nakhon Ratchasima.

He also noted that the parcels had an unusual instruction written on them, stating: “If the recipient does not answer the phone, leave the package at the location.” However, he claimed he was unaware of their contents.

Authorities have seized the contraband and handed it over to Sangkhla Buri Police Station for further investigation. Police are now working to trace the source of the illegal shipment and identify those responsible for the smuggling operation.

-- 2025-03-01