Police Seize 6,700 Bottles In Counterfeit Liquor Crackdown
Police arrested three suspects and seized over 6,700 bottles of counterfeit foreign liquor during a coordinated operation in Chachoengsao, Bangkok, and Samut Prakan provinces that uncovered a sophisticated manufacturing and distribution rin
On July 3, 2569, the Criminal Investigation Bureau and Revenue Department coordinated a major operation against a counterfeit liquor network. Led by senior officials including Pol. Lt. Gen. Natthsakdi Chaovenasai and coordinated with revenue authorities, the operation announced results of investigating an illegal liquor manufacturing and distribution ring.
The investigation began when officers discovered a retail outlet in Chachoengsao province engaged in illicit counterfeit liquor sales. Deeper investigation revealed a sophisticated criminal organization with specialized divisions handling procurement, manufacturing, packaging, warehousing, and distribution to evade police detection. The counterfeit spirits were distributed to retailers across the region at suspiciously low prices.
Officers conducted searches at eight locations: five liquor retailers in Chachoengsao Province, two residential buildings in Bangkok's Bang Khun Thian and Bang Bon districts used as production facilities and money collection points, and one warehouse in Samut Prakan Province.
The operation seized over 6,700 completed bottles of counterfeit foreign brand spirits and approximately 478,054 pieces of related equipment including bottle capping machines, packaging boxes, stickers, and bottle seals.
Three suspects were arrested: Abhiwat (surname withheld), age 37; Yupha (surname withheld), age 50; and Wuthichai (surname withheld), age 54. They face charges under the Trademark Act B.E. 2534 for possessing counterfeit trademarked goods for sale. All three initially denied knowledge that the goods were counterfeit, claiming ownership of legitimate products. Investigators remain unconvinced and continue expanding the investigation to pursue other network members, including financial backers, raw material suppliers, and distributors.
Rev. Lt. Yongyut Phoompredesha noted that this successful operation resulted from close coordination between the two agencies, preventing distribution of over 6,700 bottles of illegal imported spirits. Preliminary assessment indicates the government lost approximately 2.2 million baht in tax revenue, with distribution networks identified across eastern Thailand tourist areas.
