Police raided illegal shops and warehouses storing smuggled cigarettes in Thailand.

Cops converged on six locations and arrested seven suspects in Phatthalung province on December 18.

They seized more than 400 cigarette packs from three illegal shops and three warehouses in the province.
Chaiwat Junthiraphong, director-general of the Department of Provincial Administration, said they received reports about the illegal shipments from residents who were worried the cigarettes would be sold to the youth.

The suspects reportedly sold the smuggled goods, sourced from a neighbouring country, through online shops and physical stores. The deliveries were allegedly handled by a private shipping company.

The alleged smugglers claimed they were backed by 'influential government officials' in the province who helped them evade arrest. They were charged with 'possessing, selling, importing, and assisting in importing goods that had not undergone customs formalities'.

Ruanglak Ruangyangmanee, director of the department's Investigation and Legal Affairs Bureau, said: 'Illegal cigarettes are dangerous to both the smokers and those around them because they might contain harmful substances added during manufacturing. Buying illegal cigarettes also causes the government to lose income.'

Authorities said the estimated damages reached more than 200 million baht in taxes.

They added that Phatthalung was among the top three Thai provinces for illegal cigarette smoking.

Smoking is prohibited in many public areas, including beaches, parks, and public transport in Thailand, with heavy fines for violations. While vaping has been banned since 2014, despite the products being easily accessible in the country.