Thailand’s Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) conducted four simultaneous raids in central Phuket, cracking down on an illegal cigarette smuggling network. Three people were arrested for violating the Customs Act, and cigarettes worth an estimated 4 million baht ($120,000) of lost tax revenue were seized. The network reportedly included several influential figures, including a politician who is a candidate for the local council, though the report did not disclose the politician’s name.
Investigations revealed the cigarettes were smuggled into Phuket by sea, primarily using tour boats, and then distributed locally by a network. Some of the contraband was also distributed through a private logistics company and was also being sold online.
Ronnarong Thipsiri, deputy director-general of DOPA said the raids were prompted by tips from residents about the illegal sale and transportation of untaxed cigarettes.