Another significant success in the fight against smuggling of tobacco products was recorded by inspectors from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue, by preventing the distribution of a large quantity of contraband cigarettes into the European market.
Specifically, inspectors from the Kipoi Customs Office, after analyzing and acting on intelligence, stopped a truck truck, originating from Turkey and bound for France.
Inspectors discovered 280 cartons of contraband cigarettes, hidden inside the cargo bed of the truck. 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 found and seized, with estimated taxes and duties exceeding 1.15 million euros.
The driver of the truck was arrested immediately and is being held pending referral to the prosecutor.
Investigations are ongoing, as inspectors believe the cargo may be linked to other cases.
