The engines and generators were seized at Rassada Pier today (May 16), where officers also took into custody Chanwit Piyapanon, 43.
The operation was a joint-investigation by the Phuket Customs Office and Marine Police, explained Phuket Marine Police Chief Lt Col Panya Chaichana.
“Mr Chanwit has admitted that the items seized were in his possession,” Col Panya said.
“He now faces charges of illegally importing items without obtaining Customs clearance and avoiding paying import duties.”
The arrest and raid today followed two months of investigation, said Lt Col Prasert Srikhunrat, Chief of Region 8 Marine Police.
Foreign-registered boats were brought to Phuket to work in the fishing fleet, but after years of service, many old boats were left abandon at and near local fishing ports, he explained.
“But they took the engines out, reconditioned them, removed the serial numbers and sold them,” he said.
As the engines sold were from foreign-registered boats, at the point of sale, the engines became illegally imported, Col Prasert added.
“Nearly all engines seized were from tuna fishing boats, “ Col Prasert said.
Mr Chanwit taken to Phuket Customs House for further questioning.
If found guilty, he faces a fine of up to four times the deemed value of the goods seized or up to 10 years in jail, or both.