Jul 05 - Customs Cigarette Smuggling Arrests
Three men and a woman were recently arrested by Customs Officers in the vicinity of Europa Advance Road. The 23 year old local woman was stopped in the area and arrested after the search of the vehicle she was driving resulted in the detection of 13,600 cigarettes (68 cartons) concealed within the tyres.
A 26 year old Spanish national resident in San Roque was arrested shortly thereafter when a search of his vehicle resulted in the seizure of 10,980 cigarettes (55 cartons) similarly concealed within the tyres.
Consequent to these seizures, Customs officials then entered premises in the area and discovered a further 16,660 cigarettes (83 cartons). Two Spanish nationals, both resident in La Linea (aged 53 and 45) were within the premises and were arrested for the possession of the cigarettes.
All four have been bailed to surrender on July 31st. An investigation is on-going.
Customs seized both a locally registered vehicle and a Spanish registered vehicle in the operation together with the 41,240 cigarettes (206 cartons).
