Mae Sot: Security agencies collaborated with officers from four departments to apprehend a pickup truck driver who was caught smuggling oil to Myawaddy, Myanmar, following a critical oil shortage in the region.

According to Thai News Agency, the arrest took place when the Rajamanu Task Force, Mae Sot Border Patrol Police, drug suppression unit, Naresuan Force, and patrol police established a checkpoint in Ban Mahawan, Village 1, Tambon Mahawan, Amphoe Mae Sot, Tak Province. During the operation, they intercepted a half-cab pickup truck carrying 21 tightly packed 20-liter oil cans.

The driver, identified as Mr. Seri, had attempted to conceal the oil gallons under a tarpaulin in the back of the truck. Upon inspection, officers discovered a total of 420 liters of diesel oil. Mr. Seri admitted to planning to transport the oil across the border to Myawaddy, Myanmar, to address the severe oil shortage there. The seized diesel, amounting to 420 liters, was valued at 13,834.80 baht.

With clear evidence and a confession, the officers confiscated the oil and took Mr. Seri to the Mae Sot Police Station for further legal proceedings. Smuggling oil across the border is considered an offense, particularly during this time when authorities are intensifying efforts to disrupt the financial operations of criminal networks.