Highway police seize 614,600 untaxed cigarettes in Pattani

Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

Highway Police in Pattani have intercepted a major shipment of untaxed foreign cigarettes, seizing 614,600 from a house operating as a parcel drop-off point in Yaring district. The arrest of a 34-year-old woman, identified as Fatimah, came on 5 December after officers uncovered large quantities of undeclared cigarettes concealed in parcels awaiting transport. The operation immediately halted what police believe was a distribution line intended to supply customers further along the delivery route.

Police authorities said they acted on information indicating that the house in Moo 3, tambon Yarung, was functioning as an unofficial channel for shipping contraband. The location, which served as a parcel handling point for a private delivery company, was suspected of being used to move foreign cigarettes that had not been registered, taxed, or declared under customs law. When officers inspected the premises, they found numerous parcels prepared for dispatch and requested permission to conduct random checks.

Upon opening the boxes, officers discovered large quantities of foreign-brand cigarettes that were not produced in Thailand and were unaccompanied by any import documentation. Police said the suspect, who worked as a parcel receiver for the company, was unable to provide any records relating to the products’ entry into the country. The cigarettes were seized as evidence and classified as goods evading customs duty under the Customs Act.

During questioning, Fatimah told investigators she was only responsible for receiving and sending parcels and that the cigarettes belonged to a customer from Yaring district. She said her role was limited to arranging shipment to the intended recipient and that she did not own the goods. Police transferred her to Yarung Police Station for legal action, confirming that charges under the Customs Act had been formally filed.

Authorities said the case highlights the ongoing use of parcel networks by smugglers to move high-volume contraband discreetly. They noted that covert shipments via local delivery points have become a recurring challenge, requiring closer monitoring and more frequent inspections. The seizure is expected to prompt renewed scrutiny of private logistics operations in the region.

Matichon reported that further investigation will focus on identifying the sender, the planned recipients and any wider network involved in the smuggling operation. Police said they will work with the private transport firm to review shipment records and determine whether additional illegal consignments have been routed through the same location. The case will proceed under criminal and customs procedures as officers trace the supply chain behind the seized goods.

Key Takeaways

• Police seized 614,600 foreign cigarettes hidden in parcels at a Yaring parcel drop-off point.

• A 34-year-old parcel worker was charged under the Customs Act after failing to provide import documents.

• Investigators are now tracing the sender, recipient, and broader network behind the smuggling attempt.

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 Adapted  by  Asean Now from  Matichon 2025-12-06