More than 10 million illegally imported cigarettes have been
seized in a sea cargo container destined for a Sydney
address.
Customs intercepted the haul in the container of ceramic
tiles after an X-ray identified anomalies.
Officers discovered it was filled with numerous cartons,
estimated to contain over 10 million cigarettes.
This represents almost $4 million in evaded revenue, Customs
said in a statement today.
Customs and Border Protection national manager of
investigations, Kingsley Woodford-Smith, said the smuggling
of tobacco was a serious crime.
He said amendments to the Customs Act had increased the
maximum penalty for smuggling such goods.
Criminals now face up to 10 years imprisonment or a fine
equalling five times the duty evaded, or both.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.