Smugglers turn to private couriers, small parcels to evade crackdown

Contraband trafficking networks have adapted their operations to evade suppression by using private couriers and shipping goods in smaller quantities, according to Prachuap Khiri Khan Customs chief Thitiphong Khamphui.

Instead of transporting large quantities by truck, which increases the risk of detection, smugglers have adopted what officials describe as an “express delivery war”, distributing smaller consignments through private parcel delivery services.

The smugglers allegedly conceal information about senders and recipients by using fake names or nominee accounts and labelling parcels as consumer goods, auto parts or household items.

Hundreds of parcels are sent from distribution centres in southern border areas into sorting systems, where they are mixed with legitimate packages before being delivered nationwide, often within 24 to 48 hours.

Authorities also found that the networks use online platforms and closed social media groups to take orders, with different members handling imports, stockpiling, packing and delivery.

Thitiphong said the operation highlighted the need for accurate intelligence to intercept the networks, which have become more difficult to detect because the goods are distributed through the regular logistics system.

According to the Prachuap Khiri Khan Customs Office, more than 3.2 million smuggled cigarettes were seized in the first 23 days of September, with a total value of more than 37 million baht.

The latest haul, seized on Tuesday, included 940,600 foreign cigarettes, 10 bottles of foreign liquor, 120 bottles of soft drinks and 10 bags of tea. The contraband, including estimated duties and taxes, was valued at 10.67 million baht.

Between Sept 1 and 23, officials inspected 453 targeted parcels and filed 15 cases. They seized 16,082 cartons of foreign cigarettes, equivalent to 3,216,400 cigarettes, with a combined value, including duties and taxes, of more than 36.7 million baht.

Other seized items included 439 electronic cigarettes and liquid refills, 23 bags, 135 boxes of herbal products, 53 bottles of perfume, 960 bottles of soft drinks, 10 bottles of foreign liquor, 10 bags of tea and four boxes of dried dates.

The total value of the seized goods, including estimated duties and taxes, during the 23-day operation was 37.2 million baht.