Border security forces in Thailand’s northeastern province of Mukdahan have intensified their fight against a major agricultural smuggling network operating along the Mekong River, following complaints that over 40 tonnes of contraband avocados are being illegally funnelled into the country daily with the suspected backing of influential local financiers.
The crackdown, which escalated on Tuesday, involves multiple security agencies responding to grievances from residents living along the river. Locals have voiced concerns over the rampant, tax-evading influx of the fruit.
Acting on intelligence received, rangers from the 2110th Ranger Taskforce, under the 21st Ranger Regiment of the Surasakmontree Force, launched an intensive set of patrols along the Mekong riverbank in Bang Sai Yai sub-district of Mueang district.
Scattered along the riverbank, officers discovered numerous green plastic crates packed with avocados. A group of more than 10 men and youths were caught red-handed offloading the crates from a long-tail boat and loading them onto waiting pickup trucks. Security forces moved in, apprehended the suspects and seized the contraband. The haul was handed over to Mueang Mukdahan police for legal proceedings.
Local residents claim that the smugglers usually operate under the cover of darkness, making multiple river crossings per night. The avocados reportedly originate from Vietnam and China, transit through a neighbouring country and are ultimately distributed to markets across the northeast and Bangkok.
In a follow-up operation the next evening, the Mekong Riverine Unit (MRU), supervised by the Ubon Ratchathani headquarters, intercepted a large motorised steel boat crossing from Laos. Officers seized an additional 2,400Kg of illicit avocados.
The chief of the Mukdahan naval station stated that there has been a persistent rise in the smuggling of agricultural products, including rice, Kaew Kamin mangoes and avocados.
"If these contraband goods successfully penetrate the country's inner economic zones, they will severely disrupt domestic agricultural price mechanisms and directly impact Thai farmers," the station chief warned.
According to official statistics, authorities have seized more than 35 tonnes of illegal avocados since January this year, which, had they reached the market, would have caused economic damage of about 2 million baht.
All confiscated items are being handed over to the Mukdahan Plant Quarantine Station to be buried in landfills, in compliance with strict plant disease prevention measures.
Under current regulations, Thailand only permits avocado imports from Australia, Peru, New Zealand and China. Importers wishing to import avocados from Vietnam must submit a formal request to the Department of Agriculture for a thorough pest risk analysis before entry can be granted.
