Korat: The Excise Department held a press conference announcing a major bust of smuggled cigarettes in Korat city, seizing over 75,000 packs and resulting in a loss of over 4 million baht in tax revenue for the government.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Pornchai Theeravech, Director-General of the Excise Department, assigned Acting Sub-Lieutenant Yongyuth Phumiprathet, Advisor on Excise Tax Strategy, to represent the Excise Department at a press conference on the arrest of a major smuggling ring selling untaxed cigarettes in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. This event was held jointly with the Center for Prevention and Suppression of Crimes Related to Electronic Cigarettes and Tobacco Products, Royal Thai Police.
The operation resulted from integrated cooperation between agencies in investigating and suppressing the smuggling of untaxed cigarettes. A search of a residence in Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima district yielded 150 boxes, or 7,500 cartons, totaling 75,000 packs, of untaxed foreign cigarettes, with an estimated value of 6.75 million baht. This resulted in a loss of over 4 million baht in tax revenue for the state. Legal action will be taken against the offenders under customs and excise laws.