The Customs Department director-general has assigned a representative to file a complaint with police against an individual going by the name Julpaos Kresopon for making a false declaration to customs authorities regarding the type of goods he was importing.
Pachara Anantasilp said the goods entering the country via an import company had been declared as steel products at Suvarnabhumi airport, but after a recent inspection by his customs officials, the cargo was found to be 5.3 kilogrammes of cannabis flowers.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, the customs chief said that under Section 244 of the Customs Act BE 2560 and the Plant Quarantine Act BE 2507, the man could face a maximum of 10 years in prison.
The director-general said he believed Suvarnabhumi police in Samut Prakan would summon the suspect for questioning.
Mr Pachara said the man had declared two earlier consignments to be Christmas decorations and rubber floors. This time he had declared steel products and the department is confident there is ample evidence of criminal activity to press charges.
Meanwhile veteran investor Tom Kruesopon, who founded Golden Triangle Group, a leading developer and manufacturer of hemp & cannabis in Thailand, posted a video clip on his Facebook page denying making false declarations to customs officials but admitting to importing cannabis for medical purpose at his clinic.
"I have done nothing wrong. If I had wanted to do anything illegally, I would not have had my real name. There must be a misunderstanding," he said.