Military and Excise Officials Seize Illegal Cigarettes in Sa Kaeo Raids

Picture courtesy of Kaoded.

In a coordinated operation, military personnel from the Burapha Task Force, in collaboration with officials from the Sa Kaeo Excise Department, intercepted two separate attempts to smuggle contraband cigarettes destined for Bangkok. The raids were carried out in Ta Phraya and Aranyaprathet districts, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of large quantities of illegal goods.

The first operation was conducted by the Ta Phraya Task Force Unit and Border Patrol Police Unit 12, acting on intelligence reports of illicit cigarette trafficking near Ban Noen Sombun, Ta Phraya Subdistrict. Upon arrival at the specified location, authorities apprehended two suspects in possession of a closed-bed vehicle suspected to be used for smuggling. A search of the vehicle revealed 42,810 packs of foreign cigarettes, concealed in the rear compartment. The suspects and evidence were handed over to the Ta Phraya Police Station for legal proceedings.

Simultaneously, in Aranyaprathet District, the Khlong Hat Task Force Unit, paramilitary forces from Regiment 13, and officers from Khlong Hat Police Station and the Sa Kaeo Excise Department stopped another suspicious vehicle leaving the Khlong Wa Mai community in Tambon Thap Phrik. A thorough inspection uncovered 10 methamphetamine pills (classified as a Category 1 narcotic), as well as 46,000 packs of untaxed foreign cigarettes and counterfeit products.

During interrogation, the driver admitted to being hired by Cambodian nationals to transport the contraband across the border via natural routes, with the goods intended for distribution in Bangkok. He claimed to receive 12,000 baht per delivery. However, the operation was thwarted before he could complete the delivery.

The suspect and all seized items were transferred to Khlong Nam Sai Police Station in Aranyaprathet for further investigation and prosecution.

Authorities confirmed that operations to combat smuggling and cross-border illegal trade will continue, with increased surveillance in high-risk border areas.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-05-15.