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Cigarette smuggling in Phuket: 295,000 cigarettes seized!
On January 27, 2026, authorities in Phuket discovered 295,000 contraband cigarettes, valued at over 2 million baht. Investigations are ongoing.
Cigarette smuggling in Phuket: 295,000 cigarettes seized!
In Phuket, local authorities recently uncovered an ambitious smuggling network specializing in the illegal trade of cigarettes. On January 27, 2026, a total of 50 boxes of foreign cigarettes were seized during a search in Tambon Rawai, Amphoe Mueang. This equates to a whopping 295,000 cigarettes worth over 2 million baht. The investigation was carried out by a dedicated group of local authorities led by Phuket Deputy Governor นายกองเอก อดุลย์ ชูทอง and พล.ต.ต. สินเลิศ สุขุม, the police chief of Phuket.
As today.line.me reports, police received valuable tips from concerned citizens about the smuggling of cigarettes, mainly from Songkhla and Pattani provinces. However, despite the inquisition carried out, the authorities did not receive any suspects in custody. The cigarettes were seized to serve as evidence for further investigations into the smuggling network.
The market for foreign cigarettes
There is a notable demand for foreign cigarettes in Phuket, particularly among young people, who appear to be in high demand. This is not only leading to a worrying increase in consumption, but also an ongoing problem of smuggling in the region. Despite numerous arrests and measures taken by the authorities, the illegal business remains stubborn.
The investigation required the cooperation of the volunteer security forces on site, who are constantly working to solve such crimes. “We have a good knack for uncovering such crimes,” said a security force representative. Every tip from the population is worth its weight in gold.
The way forward
It remains to be seen what further steps the authorities will take to combat the smuggling problem in the long term. Securing this large quantity of cigarettes is an important step, but the focus must be on long-term solutions to understand and eliminate the causes of these illegal businesses. Collaboration between police, authorities and the community will be crucial to maintaining Phuket as a safe and healthy place to live.