Pattani raid seizes 2.45 million illegal cigarettes

In Pattani province, Thailand, a raid on a house in Krado subdistrict's Yarang district led to the discovery of over 2.45 million illegal cigarettes, three handguns with ammunition, and 18.76 million baht in cash. The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 Forward Command, in collaboration with police, military personnel, administrative officials, the Customs Department, and the Central Institute of Forensic Science, conducted the operation.

The owner of the property, identified as Masata, voluntarily provided information during the search, while three others were present at the residence.

The seized contraband, including the cigarettes, firearms, and cash, was turned over to the Yarang Police Station for further legal proceedings. Authorities are intensifying their investigation to uncover additional individuals and networks believed to be involved in narcotics smuggling and the unauthorized entry of untaxed goods. ISOC Region 4 Forward Command has announced their ongoing commitment to combating narcotics, illicit trade, and other security concerns in Thailand's southern border provinces.

Simultaneously, French National Police announced the arrest of 11 French nationals in Thailand, accused of attempting to smuggle drugs out of the country. They claim that a criminal organization conned relatives into carrying the contraband by offering free holidays to Thailand, a scheme dubbed the 'Thailand plan'. Families allege that the criminals exploited the offer to smuggle the drugs, resulting in the arrest of the suspects.

In a related incident, a 20-year-old French national was apprehended in June, carrying 16.8 kilograms of cannabis in locked luggage. France's foreign ministry is actively investigating the alleged scheme and providing consular support to those affected.