Bangkok: The Customs Department has acknowledged its error in the theft of e-cigarettes and announced plans to review the storage area for evidence. The Port Authority of Thailand is set to enhance security measures by increasing CCTV coverage and deploying more security guards to ensure safety. It conceded that previous negligence allowed the area to be used without strict adherence to regulations.
According to Thai News Agency, Mrs. Nanthita Sirikup, a consultant for customs control system development, disclosed details regarding the theft of e-cigarettes from a Customs Department container stored at the Port Authority of Thailand. This incident also led to the death of a security guard. The Customs Department has established a fact-finding committee expected to deliver results within 7-30 days. There is an ongoing investigation into whether any Customs officers were involved in the incident. Clarification is awaited from investigators on the issue of previously lost evidence. The Customs Department plans to file a complaint as the victim and will address both cases concurrently.
The Customs Department had opted to store evidence at the Port Authority due to insufficient space within its own facilities. They secured permission to use the Port Authority’s space, bringing in 55 containers, including 5 containing e-cigarettes, while the rest held important case documents. This space is close to the Customs Department and is an open area, but the containers are securely locked. Once the case concludes, the evidence will be destroyed. The Customs Department admitted that it will review and enhance the security of the storage area moving forward.