Finistère: Hundreds of smuggled Marlboro cartridges seized from vehicle

Smoky Traffic The motorist had tried to flee the control of customs agents before changing his mind

Contraband Marlboro brand cigarettes have been seized by customs in Brittany. — C. Allain/20 Minutes

The vehicle was traveling on the RN12 linking Saint-Brieuc to; Brest (Finistère) when he saw customs trying to intercept him on November 14. Its driver first sought to flee, confirming suspicions of infringement. Leaving from Belgium, the motorist had almost arrived. to destination when he was finally intercepted through customs near Landivisiau. On board his vehicle, officers discovered 550 cartons of cigarettes.

Marlboro brand, these contraband cigarettes represented a value of 57,750 euros on the market. French. An amount that the driver of this vehicle will have to pay in the form of a customs fine. Much more than the 7,000 euros he had spent to buy the 500 cartridges in Belgium. All of the merchandise has been destroyed. Arrested and placed on guard at; sight, the 25-year-old man was judged in immediate appearance and condemned to twelve months in prison, six of which were suspended.

In 2021, 402 tons of tobacco and cigarettes were released. seized by the French customs services and 18,284 findings made, i.e. 50 offenses recorded per day on average. For 2022, the trend is to a new increase in seizures, explain the customs. If Brittany is not a hub for this traffic, customs are working to tracking down local “ant” type traffic. Almost 600 kg have already been been seized by the Breton customs services since the beginning of the year, i.e. more than in the whole of 2021.