Customs officials have started paying extra attention to market hawkers and open-air vendors, with the department keen to clamp down on tax evasion and contraband activity in the sector.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the department said that officials were also gearing up to clamp down on the use of illegal fuel, with more field tests in the pipeline.

The Customs Department said that it had seized 260,000 contraband cigarettes from bars, pastizzi outlets and other shops in the past months, with officials also confiscating contraband wine and spirits from restaurants and shops “on a daily basis”.

Anyone with information about smuggling or contraband activities can contact the customs department anonymously on 2568 5124.

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