Two Parcel Delivery Drivers Caught Smuggling Illegal Cigarettes

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

Two drivers employed by a private parcel delivery company have been arrested in Kanchanaburi province after being caught transporting a massive haul of contraband cigarettes, totalling 1,434 boxes, in delivery trucks. Authorities say the documents found with the shipments clearly identify both the sender and intended recipients, facilitating further investigations.

Acting on a tip-off about an imminent smuggling operation, police and military officials set up a joint checkpoint at the Thong Pha Phum tri-junction in Moo 1, Tha Khanun subdistrict. Reports indicated that contraband cigarettes were being transported in two white and grey Isuzu D-Max delivery trucks with enclosed cargo beds, using the cover of night to avoid detection.

At approximately 23:00 on 31 May, the trucks were intercepted as they travelled from Sangkhla Buri towards central Kanchanaburi. Upon inspection, the drivers, identified as Mr Witthawat, 28, from Ratchaburi’s Pak Tho district and Mr Panuphun, 23, from the same province, fully cooperated with officials.

The first truck, driven by Mr Witthawat, was found to contain 534 boxes of various foreign cigarette brands, amounting to 5,340 packs, as well as 10 packs of Burmese cigarettes (each containing six cartons). The second truck, driven by Mr Panuphun, carried 900 boxes, equivalent to 9,000 packs, of foreign cigarettes.

In total, authorities seized 1,434 boxes of untaxed cigarettes that bore no excise stamps, confirming them as illegal goods.

Both drivers claimed ignorance regarding the contents of their cargo, stating they were simply performing their duties as parcel delivery drivers. They explained that they had picked up the packages from their company’s warehouse in Sangkhla Buri and were en route to another facility in Ayutthaya province for delivery. They insisted they had no knowledge of the illicit nature of the contents.

Officers from Thong Pha Phum Police Station, along with local military and border patrol units, took immediate steps to seize the contraband. Authorities confirmed that paperwork accompanying the packages included full sender and recipient details, which would significantly aid the investigation.

The seized goods are being held as evidence while police work to identify and prosecute the individuals responsible for organising the smuggling operation. Officials stated they are confident that arrests of the main culprits will follow soon.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-03.