The operation, carried out yesterday (Nov 10), was led by senior district officials including Mueang District Chief Pairoj Srilamul and Administrative Chief Sukanda Srirak.
Officers from the Phuket District Volunteer Defence Corps also joined the raids under the direction of District Security Chief Thiti Bunyasathian and Aphichat Chanthawong.
The first raid targeted a shop on Ong Sim Phai Rd in Talat Yai after officials received reports that untaxed cigarettes were being sold at the venue.
At the scene officers arrested a woman they identified only as ‘Ms Am’ (pseudonym). A total of 1,413 packs of smuggled cigarettes were seized, along with B11,900 in cash and other items.
She was charged with possession and sale of goods for which excise tax had not been paid or had not been fully paid, in violation of Sections 203 and 204 of the Excise Act 2017.
A second raid was conducted at a shop on Tilok Phuket Rd 2, opposite Expo Mall. There, officers arrested ‘Mr Chaow’ (pseudonym) and seized 622 packs of smuggled cigarettes, B6,760 in cash and related evidence. He faces the same charges under the Excise Act.
All suspects and seized items were transferred to Phuket City Police Station for further investigation and legal action.