The operation, codenamed ‘Secret Lion #Illegal Cigarettes Phuket V.2’, was led by the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) following orders from Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, explained Ronnarong Thipsiri, Deputy Director-General of DOPA.
Mr Ronnarong was formerly a Vice Governor of Phuket.
The operation was launched after local residents tipped off officials about the widespread sale and transportation of untaxed cigarettes, Mr Ronnarong said.
More than 50 personnel, including administrative officials and members of the Volunteer Defense Corps (OrSor), were involved in the raids, which targeted key locations in Mueang District, including: Pratunam Ngern Shop and Sam Yaek Ban Suan Shop on Ratsadanusorn Rd in Ratsada, and a shop near a National Housing Authority estate and a “warehouse-style room”, both in Phuket Town.
Investigators found that the cigarettes were smuggled into Phuket by sea, using tour boats, and distributed to local shops by a network allegedly coordinated by an individual identified only as ‘B’.
One key seller, known by the nickname ‘Sergeant Waen’” is believed to be part of the distribution chain. Some of the illicit goods were also transported via a private logistics company.
Officials also discovered that illegal cigarettes were being marketed online, including through the LINE OpenChat platform, which had attracted a large customer base. Several sale points had been modified with hidden exits to evade inspections.
A significant quantity of illegal cigarettes was seized, with initial estimates placing the damage to state tax revenue at over B4 million.
Three suspects were arrested and face charges under the Customs Act of 2017, including possession and sale of untaxed goods, illegal importation and concealment of smuggled items, Mr Ronnarong confirmed.
The network was found to belong to a politician who was one of the local council candidates in the area, said an official report of the raids.
The report did not name the politician.
In the past several months, there have been images appearing on social media with posts saying, “This network is a large network of local politicians in the area that no agency dares to come and arrest”, the report continued.
“This operation sends a clear message that the Department of Provincial Administration will not tolerate the illegal cigarette trade,” Mr Ronnarong said.
“Apart from the loss of tax revenue, these counterfeit products pose a serious risk to public health due to unknown and potentially hazardous substances,” he added.
Officials are urging the public to report any illegal activities or suspicious behaviour to the district, provincial, or Ministry of Interior Ombudsman Centers. Complaints can be made 24 hours a day by calling the national hotline at 1567.