Kuala lumpur: A special operations unit of the Department of Provincial Administration launched "Operation Lion Catches Prey," dismantling the largest smuggled cigarette network in southern Thailand. They seized over 2,000 crates and 20 million smuggled cigarettes, causing damage to the state exceeding 1 billion baht.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul led a press conference announcing the results of the Department of Provincial Administration's "Operation Catch the Prey" campaign, which seized over 2,000 boxes of smuggled cigarettes, totaling 20 million cigarettes, and arrested 14 suspects. The operation stemmed from complaints received by the Department of Provincial Administration from residents in Songkhla Province about the illegal sale of cigarettes. Residents were distressed because their children had easy access to cigarettes. Undercover agents were deployed to gather information and discovered a smuggling operation involving a storefront with vending machines. When customers came to buy, employees would retrieve the cigarettes from a warehouse in the next alley.
Furthermore, the cigarettes were distributed to numerous local retailers nationwide and sold online, using delivery trucks and no permanent storage locations. Distribution routes were changed to evade detection. Based on this information, authorities gathered evidence and obtained search warrants from the court to inspect target areas in Hat Yai District. They seized 11 vehicles and arrested 14 suspects. This operation resulted in a loss of over 67 million baht in revenue for the state and over 1 billion baht in tax fines.
Mr. Anutin stated that the smuggling of cigarettes in downtown Hat Yai is the largest illegal cigarette trafficking network in the South. He warned those considering breaking the law to stop, as the consequences of their actions are not worth the prosecution. He emphasized that authorities will pursue the matter to the fullest extent. He urged all officers not to be intimidated by the influence of criminals, as every arrest contributes to dismantling these criminal networks. He stressed the importance of working together to build public confidence and dedication as good civil servants.