Women arrested after B500k in illegal sales of untaxed cigarettes, vaping liquids

Authorities have arrested two women in Ratsada for selling untaxed cigarettes and illegal vaping paraphernalia, seizing more than half a million baht worth of contraband sold over the past three months.

Arrest Details

Sarinya Phonkaew, 23, from Satun, and Chonlada Chuewong, 25, registered as living in Chalong, were apprehended at 5 pm on Saturday (July 27) during a raid led by Pol Capt Aphichat Musikasang of the Phuket City Police. The raid took place at a shop in Soi Pha-niang, Moo 5, Ratsada, where the illegal items were being sold.

Seized Items

During the raid, police confiscated 487 packs of untaxed cigarettes and 64 packs of vaping liquids. Additionally, B4,840 in cash was seized. Account books recovered from the shop revealed that the women had recorded B582,515 in illegal sales over the past three months, broken down as follows:

• May: B239,265
• June: B185,755
• July: B157,495

Legal Charges

The women were taken to the Phuket City Police Station and charged with possession and sale of goods without paying the required taxes, violating Sections 203 and 204 of the Excise Act 2017. They also faced charges under Sections 242 and 246 of the Customs Act BE 2017, which pertains to the handling and sale of smuggled goods. Both women admitted to the charges against them.

Conclusion

This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts of the Phuket City Police to crack down on the illegal sale of untaxed and smuggled goods. The substantial amount of contraband sold by the women over the past three months underscores the severity of the issue. The successful operation led by Pol Capt Aphichat Musikasang serves as a warning to others engaged in similar illegal activities that law enforcement is vigilant and committed to enforcing the law.