Customs officers have found a man in Qawra carrying a sackful of contraband cigarettes.

The man was stopped following information by the public after an appeal by the Customs Department last week to help it combat contraband cigarettes.

The department said it was pleased by the consistent flow of information and a magistrate has been requested to issue a number of search warrants as a result. Inspections have been made in Tarxien, Paola, Birkirkara, Naxxar, Qawra, Bugibba and St Paul's Bay.

READ: One in five cigarettes last year was contraband

The man stopped in Qawra was found to be carrying 7,400 contraband cigarettes on which duty had not been paid. 

They carried the markings of several brands including  SuperKings Blue, SuperKings Black, Benson & Hedges, Marlboro Gold, Burton, Silkcut Purple’ and L&M Blue Label.

People having any information on contraband cigarettes can phone on 2568 5124 (24 hours) or 2568 5200 (office hours). 

The department also pointed out that Richman cigarettes had been found on the Maltese market. No duty on such cigarettes was ever paid.