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Clandestine Cigarette Transportation: Stashing Cigarettes in Every Bag's Hidden Pocket

Travelers at Munster Customs Station intercepted with a haul of 37 cartons of cigarettes concealed in their baggage.

Illegally Stuffed Cigarettes Found in Every Pouch of a Bag (HZA-MS)
Illegally Stuffed Cigarettes Found in Every Pouch of a Bag (HZA-MS)

Clandestine Cigarette Transportation: Stashing Cigarettes in Every Bag's Hidden Pocket

In an unusual incident at Münster/Osnabrück Airport, a Dutch extended family attempted to smuggle 37 packs of cigarettes past customs control. According to the Main Customs Office Münster, the family's luggage was inspected, and cigarettes were found in various openings and cavities.

Upon further investigation, a total of 7,400 pieces of tobacco products were discovered, exceeding the family's duty-free limit of seven packs. Customs demanded a flat-rate duty of €1,140 for the excess cigarettes, and an additional surcharge of €1,140 was charged for the smuggling attempt, totalling €2,280.

The family was able to pay the total amount on the spot, allowing them to continue their journey home. However, the exact penalties or legal actions taken against the family are not specified in the available information.

Cigarette smuggling, particularly from Turkey, is not uncommon for customs officers at Münster/Osnabrück Airport. This incident presented an unusual scene to the control forces, as the family had several plastic bags containing the tobacco products.

For further questions about this incident, Verena John at the Main Customs Office Münster can be contacted. Her contact details are: Telephone: 0251/4814-1306, Email: [email protected]. More information about the Main Customs Office Münster can be found on their website at www.zoll.de.

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