459 cases of smuggled goods intercepted by Maltese customs

Customs officials have stopped 459 cases of smuggling of contraband goods between January and September of this year.

Of these cases, 254 were products intended for the local market that are subject to customs duty, 189 were prohibited products, also intended for the local market, while 16 cases were in transit. The customs department also seized 5 cars and one cabin cruiser.

Prohibited products seized by customs since January 2016

Seized products intended for the local market on which duty must be paid

The customs department has said that among the various objects seized were 10.28 million cigarettes, 123kg of shisha tobacco, 15kg of Cocaine, 8.5kg of Cannabis, 300 ecstasy pills, as well as 9.7 million counterfeit items ranging from washing powder to hair-loss products.

Products seized while in transit

A spokesman for the department said that tax evasion on tobacco and alcoholic products are the biggest contributors to the black economy. He added that the efforts are being made to invest in new methods and training programs for staff  with the intention of looking after the country’s fiscal interests, defending the interests of legitimate businesses and protecting all well meaning citizens.