Operation Sirocco yields results

Joint action by Customs officers of EU member states, codenamed Operation Sirocco, has resulted in a huge haul of smuggled cigarettes, alcohol and counterfeit products.

The Maltese Customs Department, which was part of the operation, said 40 million cigarettes, 1,243 kilos of tobacco and 7,038 litres of alcohol along with eight million counterfeit items such as clothing, shoes, toys and electronic appliances, were seized.

Three individuals were arrested over cigarette smuggling in the operation conducted in collaboration with the European Anti-Fraud Office and the EU.

The European Commissioner for Taxation and Customs Union, Algirdas Šemeta said: “Customs operations do not only protect financial interests within the EU but they also protect the Union’s citizens and trade. Operation Sirocco showed when there is unity and cooperation, encouraging results are reaped.”

Operation Sirocco was focused on containers loaded in China or the United Arab Emirates arriving in Mediterranean ports.