Aranyaprathet: Burapha forces have successfully intercepted a significant shipment of smuggled cigarettes, leading to a substantial fine of over 12 million baht.

According to Thai News Agency, the operation took place while soldiers were patrolling the border area of Ban Non Khi Lek, Tambon Phan Suek, in the Aranyaprathet District of Sa Kaeo Province. The soldiers discovered 15 suspicious sacks concealed within a sugarcane field, located approximately 10 meters from the border canal known as Khlong Nam Sai.

Upon further investigation, the soldiers identified the contents as four brands of foreign cigarettes, amounting to a total of 13,090 packs. The cigarettes were untaxed, and no individuals came forward to claim them. Consequently, the entire batch was seized and turned over to officials at the Sa Kaeo Provincial Excise Department.

The smuggled cigarettes represented a significant loss to the state, with 822,052 baht lost in excise taxes. Additionally, a legal fine totaling 12,330,780 baht was levied as a result of the seizure.