Record contraband seized at Luxembourg airport

Pawel Czerwinski, Unsplash
In early June, Luxembourg customs and tax officials seized 607 cartons of cigarettes from three passengers flying in from Athens. The smuggled goods were found in six suitcases they were carrying with them. The inspection took place as part of a routine check in the passenger section of the airport.
According to the official statement, the volume of cigarettes transported significantly exceeded the duty-free allowance, which immediately aroused the suspicions of customs officials. As a result, an investigation was launched on suspicion of violating customs laws. All three passengers became the focus of law enforcement attention.
The Customs Administration emphasises that combating illicit trade in tobacco products remains a priority. This applies to both mass imports without paying taxes and attempts to sell such products on the black market. Such actions not only cause economic damage, but also undermine government measures to regulate the tobacco market.
For reference, the permitted limit for duty-free importation of tobacco products into Luxembourg is 200 cigarettes (1 carton) per adult traveller when entering from a country outside the Schengen area or with a special tax status.