AFM finds contraband cigarettes on fishing boat

Some 4000 cartons of contraband cigarettes were found on a fishing boat after it was stopped by an AFM patrol boat last night.

Patrol boat P61 detected the locally-registered fishing boat Crystal Starlight east of Malta. Following a verbal challenge the AFM crew decided to board the vessel.

Once on board they noted a significant amount of cigarettes and loose tobacco that were clearly not intended for the personal consumption of the crew.

The Police and Customs were informed and the vessel was escorted to Grand Harbour where a search on board the the vessel revealed almost 4000 cartons of cigarettes.

"It is suspected that these are contraband items intended for illegal sale on the local market," the AFM said.

Investigations into the case are continuing. A Magisterial Inquiry is under way.