Illicit Cigarettes and Molasses Tobacco
Wow, there has been another seizure made by Australian Customs and Border Protection Services (ACBPS).
Customs officers have had a busy week, this time discovering the illegal importation of illicit cigarettes and molasses tobacco in a sea container at Melbourne Port.
The container was ordered for x-raying at the Melbourne Container Examination Facility. When abnormalities were found, an examination was ordered.
Officers then discovered approximately 100 cardboard boxes containing contraband cigarettes and tobacco amongst the shipment of household goods.
Tobacco and cigarettes are considered to be illegal if they are not declared correctly with the appropriate duty being paid. The potential revenue that was evaded by this seizure is estimated at over one million dollars.
“Customs and Border Protection takes the importation of illicit cigarettes and tobacco very seriously as it denies the Commonwealth of legitimate revenue in an attempt to evade tax.” Jagtej Singh, ACBPS National Manager Cargo Operations advised.
Source: Australian Customs and Border Protection Services
