Illegal Goods Warehouse Raided in Central Thailand, Chicken Shop Used as Front

Customs officials in Nakhon Ratchasima, central Thailand, have raided an illegal goods warehouse, uncovering a front operation run by a 70-year-old woman selling fried chicken. The operation was found to be hoarding a large quantity of fireworks, e-cigarettes, and contraband alcohol, raising concerns about potential fire hazards similar to the Klong Thom Center incident. Mr. Prasit Deecharoen, Director of the Chong Jom Customs House, stated that the government prioritizes combating illegal goods to enhance revenue collection, ensure fair competition for legitimate businesses, and protect the public from products that affect health and safety. Following directives from the Director-General of Customs, Ms. Sunthriya Thawiprasit, Deputy Director-General, and Ms. Lalita Attaphimol, Director of Customs Region 2, the Chong Jom Customs House, which oversees Surin, Buriram, and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces, was instructed to intensify inspections and law enforcement. Mr. Prasit revealed that undercover officers gathered intelligence and observed suspicious activities, identifying a location as a hub for storing and distributing various illegal items to locals and shops in Nakhon Ratchasima city. Subsequently, a joint force of over 40 officers, under the command of Dr. Pornchai Theeravej, Director-General of the Excise Department, and Mr. Nathachapong Paopang, Director of the Excise Regional Office 3, raided a warehouse in the heart of the city. The operation resulted in the seizure of over 10,000 items, including contraband cigarettes, e-cigarettes, illicit liquor, and fireworks, with an estimated value of approximately 2 million baht. These goods violated customs and excise laws, as well as regulations concerning firearms, explosives, and fireworks. The import of e-cigarettes is specifically prohibited under a Ministerial Regulation from 2014, which poses a direct threat to the life and property of the citizens. "This operation is a proactive measure to protect society and dismantle criminal networks that lack social responsibility," Mr. Prasit said. "For example, a 70-year-old woman operating a fried chicken shop front while illicitly selling e-cigarettes, which are illegal and have substandard batteries, or storing a massive amount of fireworks in a densely populated area, could lead to immeasurable losses if an unforeseen incident like the Klong Thom Center occurs." Information Source: INN News