The operation was carried out on Saturday (Dec 13). The inspection team was led by Deputy District Chief for Security Affairs Thiti Bunyasathien, together with Volunteer Defence Corps (OrSor) personnel.
Officials inspected a cigarette shop located behind a DIY store on Ratsadanusorn Rd (Soi Kuku), in Moo 3, Ratsada, where they arrested a 76-year-old man found in possession of 734 packs of smuggled cigarettes along with 16 other related items.
Authorities charged the suspect with possessing goods that have not been taxed or have not been fully taxed, in violation of Section 203 of the Excise Tax Act B.E. 2560 (2017), and selling or offering for sale untaxed or under-taxed goods, in violation of Section 204 of the same Act.
District officials said the enforcement followed complaints from residents and reports shared on local Phuket social media pages alleging the sale of illegal cigarettes in the area.
The suspect and all seized items were handed over to Phuket City Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Officials reaffirmed that inspections would continue across Mueang District to suppress the sale of illegal excise goods and urged the public to report suspected violations.