Contraband alcohol sold to restaurants seized by Customs

Substantial amount of alcohol was seized by the Customs Department over the weekend after a van departing on a catamaran from Sicily was searched upon its arrival to Malta.

Two Italians, arraigned in court were fined €11,172 each and sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years.

The Customs Department said excise duty was not paid. Investigations kick-started following inspections carried out by VAT officials.

Investigations revealed the two Italians were selling the alcohol in Maltese restaurants.