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Police Seize ฿5m Illegal Cigarettes Hidden in Fruit Boxes

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Pictures courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Consumer protection police have seized over 5 million baht worth of illegal cigarettes and e-cigarettes concealed in fruit boxes and transported via a private courier service in Hat Yai, Songkhla. The raid, carried out on 2 October 2025, followed intelligence that a warehouse belonging to a delivery company was being used to smuggle contraband tobacco products. Officers confiscated 128,000 untaxed foreign cigarettes and more than 240 disposable e-cigarettes during the operation.

 

The investigation was led by Police Major General Kongkrit Lertsittikul, Commander of the Consumer Protection Police Division (PCPD), who directed Police Colonel Kraiwit Saentawisuk and his team to inspect the courier hub. Officials discovered that smugglers had been concealing cigarettes and vaping products inside fruit boxes to avoid detection. These were then distributed to customers who had placed orders through online platforms.


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Authorities said cross-border smuggling of illegal tobacco products into southern Thailand has become increasingly common. The contraband is often transported from neighbouring countries and then channelled through digital marketplaces. Private parcel delivery services have become a key method for moving the goods across regions, making interception more difficult for law enforcement.

 

Officials have noted that the problem is worsening, with well-organised smuggling networks active in several southern provinces. They warned that the widespread distribution of illegal cigarettes and e-cigarettes could pose risks both in terms of lost tax revenue and consumer safety. Law enforcement agencies are therefore intensifying monitoring of logistics hubs and strengthening cooperation with private courier operators.

 

Following the seizure, investigators confirmed that the intercepted shipment was part of a larger planned delivery. They are now tracing the origins of the network and identifying those behind the operation. Authorities stated that efforts will continue to track down suspects and bring all individuals involved to justice under the law.

 

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Key Takeaways

 

• Police seized 128,000 foreign cigarettes and 240 e-cigarettes worth over ฿5m in Hat Yai.

• Smugglers hid the contraband in fruit boxes and used private couriers for delivery.

• Authorities are expanding investigations to dismantle the cross-border network.

 

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image.png  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-10-04

 

 

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