Bangkok: Authorities have expedited the arrest of six individuals involved in the theft of e-cigarettes from a Customs Department storage facility in Khlong Toei District and the subsequent death of a security guard. The suspects were apprehended following a daring heist at the Stadium warehouse on Tha Ruea 1 Road, where they reversed a van into a security guard, leading to his fatality.

According to Thai News Agency, the six suspects, including the ringleader identified as Mr. Bank, were apprehended after the June 1 incident. The perpetrators allegedly targeted the e-cigarettes stored as evidence by the Customs Department and managed to flee the scene after the fatal encounter with the security guard. All suspects are scheduled to appear at the Bangkok South Criminal Court to face a detention hearing and potential denial of bail on June 4.

Pol. Col. Chotiwat Luengwilai, Commander of Investigation at the Metropolitan Police Bureau, disclosed that Mr. Bank admitted to previous similar offenses, where he stole e-cigarettes to sell online. Each theft was facilitated by local individuals who identified potential targets. Although Mr. Bank claimed the security guard’s death was accidental due to a gear mishap, authorities remain skeptical. The Customs Department is yet to provide a comprehensive report on the incident and inventory of the stolen items.

Pol. Gen. Prajuab Wongsuk, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, detailed the suspects’ actions during the robbery. Mr. Bank was the driver, while his accomplices assisted in the theft and subsequent escape. The incident highlights a severe breach of security at the government storage facility, leading to tragic consequences.

The investigation into Mr. Bank revealed a history of criminal behavior, including charges of gambling, driving under the influence, robbery, and online sales of e-cigarettes. In response, the Metropolitan Police and Customs Department have been tasked with enforcing stricter security measures to safeguard evidence.

Mr. Chalermsak Buakaew, Director of the Evidence Division at the Customs Department, confirmed that this marked the first instance of evidence theft from their storage. The culprits reportedly forced open five containers to locate the e-cigarettes, eventually escaping with 30 packages after being spotted by the security guard.

The Customs Department maintains that they have effective measures for evidence security, despite this unprecedented breach. Authorities continue to investigate the involvement of any additional individuals who may have aided in pinpointing the theft target.