Inspectors from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue have scored yet another significant victory in the fight against tobacco smuggling, preventing a large quantity of contraband cigarettes from entering the European market, as highlighted by the IAPR in a statement
Specifically, inspectors at the Kipoi Customs Office, following an analysis and evaluation of intelligence, stopped a truck originating from Turkey and bound for France for inspection.
The inspectors discovered 280 boxes of contraband cigarettes hidden inside the truck’s cargo area. To mislead the authorities, the driver had employed the “tapa” method, using pallets and boxes of legal goods (tiles, plates, and coffee cups) in the back and on the sides of the truck bed to conceal the illegal cargo inside.
During the inspection, 5,627,600 contraband cigarettes were located and seized, with estimated taxes and duties exceeding 1.15 million euros.
The truck driver was immediately arrested and is being held pending referral to the prosecutor.
Investigations are ongoing, as inspectors believe the shipment may be linked to other cases.