Satun: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) conducted a raid at a port in Satun province, resulting in the seizure of a significant quantity of smuggled cigarettes and the imposition of fines exceeding 9 million baht. During the operation, suspects managed to evade arrest by taking advantage of their familiarity with the area.

According to Thai News Agency, the CIB announced the confiscation of foreign cigarettes that were smuggled into the country. The seized items included 20 brown cardboard boxes containing a total of 10,000 packs of untaxed foreign cigarettes. The estimated value of the confiscated goods is approximately 900,000 baht, with potential fines reaching 9,420,000 baht. The operation took place under a tree on the riverbank near Ban Thang Yang pier in the Tha Phae district of Satun province.

The suspects, sensing the danger, managed to escape into the darkness, exploiting their knowledge of the local terrain. The seized cigarettes have been handed over to Tha Phae Police Station, where a detailed investigation is currently underway to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for the smuggling operation.