More contraband cigarettes seized in Customs Department operations

● Man stopped with 19,000 cigarettes at airport

Over 4,500 contraband cigarettes were seized by the Customs Department over the weekend as its enforcement operation increased, the department said in a statement.

Inspections were carried out in Valletta, Marsa, Santa Venera, Birkirkara, Ħamrun, Rabat, Qawra and Armier, with the target being bars, tea-shops, restaurants, kiosks and clubs.

Contraband cigarettes were seized from a kiosk and club in Valletta, while others were found in Ħamrun, Rabat, Santa Venera and Armier. In Qawra, a person was caught selling contraband cigarettes in the street.

In all, 4,540 contraband cigarettes were seized.

The department said that anyone with information may call anonymously on 2568 5124 and 2568 5200.

In another statement, the department said that officers from the Enforcement Unit had stopped a Russian passenger for a luggage scan at Malta International Airport after he had exited the ‘Nothing to Declare’ channel. The passenger had just arrived from from Riga, Latvia.

The officer scanning the luggage immediately noted that it might contain a considerable amount of cigarettes. Before opening the said luggage, the officer inquired whether the luggage belonged to the passenger, who confirmed it did. On opening the luggage, it was revealed that the contents consisted solely of 70 cartons NZ American Blend, containing 200 cigarettes each, and 250 loose packets of NZ American Blend each containing 20 cigarettes. A total of 19,000 cigarettes were found.

The case has been referred to the police.