The Customs Department seized 230,320 contraband cigarettes and 400 cigars in operations held over the past week.

In a statement, the department said the cigarettes were seized in searches in a number of establishments and while the cigarettes were being brought into  Malta.

147,000 cigarettes and 400 cigars were seized in harbour and the airport as they were being smuggled into the country. Searches were made in baggage, the post and courier services.

A further 83,320 contraband cigarettes were found in searches in shops, clubs, garages and cars in various localities.

The department said a number of cigarettes branded American Legend,  Tradition and  Manchester  had also cropped up on the local market. These cigarettes were not imported legally and no tax was paid on them, the department said. Therefore their possession was a crime.

The department said that anyone having information on contraband cigarettes should phone 25685124.