Sa kaeo: Thai and Cambodian authorities have arrested four agents involved in a significant smuggling operation, following a police raid on a warehouse located on the Aranyaprathet border. The operation resulted in the seizure of over 20,000 items, including duck eggs and various contraband, which were intended for shipment to Bangkok.
According to Thai News Agency, the arrests were made possible through a coordinated effort by the Sa Kaeo Provincial Police, investigative officers, Khlong Luek Police Station, customs officials, and border patrol soldiers. The authorities executed a search warrant at a house and warehouse in the Aranyaprathet District after a surveillance operation highlighted suspicious activities. The operation revealed frequent truck movements in and out of the warehouse, prompting the officers to secure a search warrant.
Upon raiding the warehouse, officers apprehended Mr. Therdasak, 54, who was in the process of loading goods into a van registered in Sa Kaeo. A subsequent search of the vehicle and the living quarters revealed a substantial amount of hidden contraband. The warehouse, owned by Ms. Soraya, 48, and managed by her Cambodian brother, Mr. Sophan, contained over 20,000 smuggled items across 22 categories. These included more than 14,000 hatching duck eggs, cosmetics, imported beverages, herbal products, and dried foods.
Faced with substantial evidence, Ms. Soraya confessed to operating the warehouse for approximately a year to store goods that bypassed customs procedures. Mr. Therdasak was identified as a frequent customer who collected the goods for distribution and resale in Bangkok.
Authorities have charged the suspects with serious violations, including breaches of the Animal Epidemic Act for moving animal carcasses without permission, and the Customs Act for assisting in the concealment or receipt of smuggled goods. The suspects and the confiscated items have been handed over to investigators at Khlong Luek Police Station for further investigation into this cross-border smuggling operation.