Customs officers seize illegal wild boar carcasses on Prachuap train

Customs officers seized illegal wild boar carcasses and untaxed alcohol hidden inside parcel boxes on a southern-line passenger train at Prachuap Khiri Khan Railway Station on Wednesday, following an intelligence-led operation targeting smuggling routes into Bangkok.

The joint operation, carried out at around 6.30am on 1 July, involved officials from Prachuap Khiri Khan Customs House, the Excise Department, the Animal Quarantine Station, Border Patrol Police, the military and provincial security agencies.

Officials searched the train’s luggage carriage after receiving information that untaxed goods were being transported by rail.

During the inspection, they found five wild boar carcasses, weighing a combined 250 kilogrammes, concealed inside sealed parcel boxes with other luggage stacked on top to avoid detection. Officials said there were no import documents or permits authorizing the transport of the animal carcasses.

The search also uncovered eight cases of imported liquor and wine, containing 96 bottles, which authorities said had not been declared through customs or had excise tax paid.

The combined value of the seized goods is estimated at more than 350,000 baht.

The investigation continues.

Authorities said the goods are believed to have been imported or transported in violation of the Customs Act, the Excise Tax Act and the Animal Epidemics Act.

All of the seized items have been confiscated pending legal proceedings. The wild boar carcasses will be handed over to the Department of Livestock Development for further action in accordance with the law.

Officials said investigators are now working to identify those responsible for organizing the smuggling operation and any other people involved.

Prachuap Khiri Khan Customs, Excise and Animal Quarantine officials said they remain committed to tackling tax evasion and the illegal movement of goods that can pose risks to public health and the economy.

They said enforcement has been strengthened through cooperation with the Pranburi Customs Prevention and Suppression Centre, the military, police, administrative authorities and other inspection agencies to monitor high-risk transport routes, including rail, road and postal services.