16 Tonnes of Smuggled Avocados Seized, Vietnamese Wholesaler Arrested in Pathum Thani
News Story:
PATHUM THANI – A major crackdown on agricultural smuggling led to the arrest of a Vietnamese businessman and the seizure of over 16 tonnes of illegally imported avocados, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.
The suspect, identified only as Mr. Van, was apprehended at a warehouse in Soi Thep Kunchon 6, near a major wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Khlong Luang district. The operation was jointly carried out by the Consumer Protection Police (CPP), the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry’s special task force, and the Customs Department.
The bust followed an earlier seizure of approximately 40 tonnes of smuggled avocados, which prompted further investigation. Authorities said Mr. Van confessed to owning the newly seized consignment.
In total, officials confiscated 16,175 kilograms of fresh avocados, valued at around 1.29 million baht, and an additional 750 kilograms of fresh passion fruit, estimated at 45,000 baht. The total haul was worth approximately 1.34 million baht.
According to the CPP, the fruit was smuggled into the country without passing through customs or undergoing mandatory plant quarantine inspections—posing a significant risk of introducing pests and plant diseases into Thailand’s agricultural sector.
Mr. Van, believed to be a major supplier to local fruit markets, is now in custody and facing legal proceedings. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and further arrests may follow.
