Bangkok Post reported that the Department of Special Investigation has seized about 100 tonnes of uncertified and counterfeit steel bars, he biggest haul of its kind in recent years, after a raid on a factory in Samut Prakan's Phra Samut Chedi district.

As per report, officials led by DSI chief Mr Tharit Pengdit searched Wai Wing Enterprise in Suksawat Soi 84 and discovered a large quantity of illegal steel bars hidden in a secret warehouse located behind the workers' residential area. Police also seized machinery used in manufacturing substandard steel bars.

Mr Tharit claimed the factory, owned by Mr Kevin Law purchased second hand steel or recycled steel scrap, then smelted it down to be recast into new steel bars. The materials did not meet industrial standards and could cause houses or buildings to collapse if they were used in construction projects. This type of illegal business was extremely dangerous, he said.

Mr Pol Lt Col Suriya Singhakamol, chief of the DSI's Bureau of Consumer Protection and Environment Crime, said that police are checking seven or eight more factories believed to have produced substandard steel bars.

He said that police are moving quickly to wipe out the entire counterfeit steel network as they have information that substandard products are sold every day.

(Sourced from www.bangkokpost.com)