CHONBURI, March 11 (TNA) – Authorities announced the seizure of over 200,000 e-cigarettes, valued at more than 33 million baht ($900,000), in Chonburi province, a major port city.
The contraband, smuggled from China, was intercepted in a joint operation by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Royal Thai Police, and the Customs Department.
The seizure follows a series of raids that have netted nearly 100 million baht worth of illegal e-cigarettes in the first three months of this year, officials said. The crackdown is part of a government initiative to combat the growing prevalence of e-cigarette use among Thai youth.
The operation began after the Customs Department received intelligence from the DSI about a large shipment of illegal goods transiting through Thailand to Myanmar.
It is believed to be transported across to the neighboring country to avoid inspection, and these illegal items will return to Thailand and be sold to youth.
The seized items included disposable e-cigarettes, e-cigarette liquids, pods, and complete e-cigarette kits, all falsely declared as electronic equipment, medical devices, auto parts, and machinery.
“The Prime Minister has ordered a stepped-up campaign against e-cigarettes, which are spreading among young people,” said Jiraporn Sindhuprai, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office.
“We have sealed the borders to prevent imports and are cracking down on both physical and online stores.”
Since February 26, authorities have arrested over 900 people and seized more than 700,000 e-cigarettes, causing an estimated 85 million baht in damages. -819 (TNA)
