Customs seize over 18,000 packets of smuggled cigarettes

More than 18,500 packets of contraband cigarettes were confiscated by Customs as they were being distributed to shops. A Customs spokesman said a four-wheel drive vehicle carrying some of the cigarettes was followed from a garage in Swieqi to a shop in...

More than 18,500 packets of contraband cigarettes were confiscated by Customs as they were being distributed to shops.

A Customs spokesman said a four-wheel drive vehicle carrying some of the cigarettes was followed from a garage in Swieqi to a shop in Msida, where these were unloaded. The vehicle's driver was intercepted and detained until the police arrived to arrest him.

The driver's wife was arrested shortly after she left her home in another van carrying more cigarettes.

A search of the garage yielded more cigarettes.

Customs said that the total excise duty due amounted to about €30,000. The police are investigating.

Last month, Customs confiscated a record number of smuggled cigarettes from seven containers on board two cargo ships; three million packets in all. It seized 55,000 packets last year.

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