B500mn in illegal cigarettes, alcohol seized in DOPA raids
MORE THAN B500 MILLION IN UNtaxed cigarettes and alcohol, and illegal ecigarettes, were seized in raids across Phuket by a Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) Special Operations Team last week.
The raids were announced by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat at a press conference at Phuket Provincial Hall on Apr 24.
Joining Governor Sophon for the announcement was DOPA Inspector General Ronarong Thipsiri.
Describing the raids as a significant victory in the fight against organised crime, Governor Sophon explained that the arrests and seizure of illegal goods targetted a specific network of operators.
The operation was initiated following orders from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, who had directed DOPA Director-General Orasit Samphantharat and Governor Sophon to “address social organisation issues in Phuket province”, said an official report of the press conference.
The Special Operations Team was issued six search warrants from the Phuket Provincial Court to investigate warehouses and shops suspected of illegal activities in Mueang Phuket District and Kathu District.
During the raids, it was discovered that three out of the six targeted shops had registered as limited partnerships that were registered as operating as animal feed businesses.
However, the operations were found to be fronts for the illegal sale of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and alcohol. Some of the shops were located as close as 50 metres from schools, while others operated in busy market areas.
According to a police report, the raids were carried out between 1pm and 4pm on Apr 24.
The report marked only five locations raided: a house on Yaowarat Rd in Phuket Town; a house on Ranong Rd in Phuket Town; an alcohol vendor on Tilok Uthit Rd, in Phuket Town; an animal feed store on Kuku Rd in Ratsada; and an unregistered building on Kuku Rd in Ratsada.
The report noted that three suspects were arrested during the raids. At two locations no people were present.
However, no significant arrests of those who supplied the outlets were announced.
Mr Ronarong said that Thailand suffers substantial losses, amounting to at least B7 billion each year, due to smuggling activities.
All confiscated items from the operation were taken to Phuket City Police Station and Kathu Police Station for further legal proceedings, he added.
DOPA urged people to report any suspicious activities via the hotline 1567 to combat illicit trade and, for some reason, public safety.
The Phuket News