Customs officials confirmed yesterday (Sept 25) that the haul of 9,568,000 illegal cigarettes was intercepted as part of an intensified crackdown on goods violating customs and intellectual property laws.
The seizure followed inspections carried out under the Customs Department’s national policy to protect the public from illegal products and to safeguard the Thai economy, said an official report of the operation.
Investigators said the counterfeit cigarettes represented economic damages estimated at over B71mn, reflecting both the value of the illegal goods and the potential loss of tax revenue.
Officials warned that such contraband poses a serious threat to public health and undermines legitimate businesses.
Phuket Airport Customs stressed that enforcement efforts will continue to target smuggling networks and copyright infringements, with officers maintaining strict checks on inbound and outbound cargo.
Authorities did not disclose details about the shipment’s origin or whether any arrests were made but confirmed that further investigations are underway to identify those behind the operation.