Customs Department Seizes Packages of Illegally Smuggled Cigarettes and Summons Recipients to Open Packages in Front of Officials

Key summary

The Customs Department has confirmed the accuracy of its operations to seize suspicious packages containing illegally smuggled cigarettes. They send letters to the recipients, instructing them to open the packages in the presence of customs officials. If the contents are proven to be legitimate, the recipient can retrieve the package, but they must acknowledge the allegations. Mr. Panthong Loikulnan, Director-General of the Customs Department, stated that investigative teams were dispatched to intercept the packages at their origin. The Excise Department, which uses a method of undercover operations and arrests, often faces criticism regarding the amount of fines imposed. Dr. Porachai Teerapvej, Director-General of the Excise Department, has been asked to consider improving the methods of handling these cases to be more transparent and less harsh.