Two men who failed to declare 400 cigarettes and 70 kilograms of tobacco were fined and given suspended jail terms yesterday, besides having all the items confiscated. Matthew Stewart, 34, and his friend, Gary Jones, 29, both of Newcastle, arrived on Sunday from Dubai carrying a total of 64 packets of Al Fakher tobacco and two cartons of Marlboro cigarettes.
They failed to declare these items and were caught by customs officials. Mr Stewart, who was carrying the most items, was fined €4,004 of which €1,500 had to be paid to the customs department.
Mr Jones was fined €2,426 of which €890 had to be paid to Customs.
Police Inspector Ian Abdilla prosecuted.
Lawyer Henry Antoncich appeared as legal aid.