Crime International Bus Driver Caught Smuggling 4,200 E-Cigarettes in Hidden Compartment

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

 

A driver of an international bus operating between Mukdahan, Thailand, and Savannakhet, Laos, was caught attempting to smuggle 4,200 electronic cigarettes hidden in a concealed compartment beneath the vehicle.

 

The incident occurred at the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge II border checkpoint in Mukdahan. Officers from the 2105th Ranger Special Task Force, the Surasak Montri Task Force, and the Wildlife Checkpoint were carrying out routine inspections of cross-border buses when they found six large cardboard boxes in the luggage compartment of a Mukdahan–Savannakhet bus, registered in  Mukdahan. Upon opening them, officers discovered 1,200 e-cigarettes.

 

However, before a full inspection of the upper cabin could be carried out, customs officials at the checkpoint informed the military personnel that they had already searched the passenger area and found only snack boxes. They then allowed the vehicle to pass through the checkpoint.

 

Later, senior military officers, having been briefed on the partial discovery and aware of the government’s strict ban on illegal e-cigarette imports, ordered a full re-inspection. Military and police units, including immigration officers, border patrol police, city police investigators, and the marine police, tracked the vehicle to the rear of Mukdahan provincial bus terminal.

 

A thorough search of the bus’s interior revealed a hidden compartment at the rear of the passenger cabin, which contained 15 additional boxes with 3,000 more e-cigarettes. Authorities also found large quantities of raincoats and snack products, all undeclared and not cleared by customs.

 

The bus driver, identified as Mr. Sombat Khotsongkram, a resident of Moo 13, Nikhom Kham Soi subdistrict, was detained. Customs officials stated that he would initially be treated as a witness while the case is further investigated.

 

This seizure highlights ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to crack down on illegal imports, particularly the smuggling of e-cigarettes, which are banned in Thailand and subject to heavy enforcement.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-04.

 

 

 

[KhunBENQ]

Delivered as ordered.

Heard that from a mate taking place at the Nong Khai border.