© RTL
The two million cigarettes were hidden in 2,400 parcels that were meant to be smuggled across the border.
Luxembourg's customs authorities have made an extraordinary seizure at Findel Airport: two million cigarettes hidden in 2,400 parcels bound for England.
Customs had already been alerted in September because of a delivery to the UK, during which cigarettes were found at the border.
As cigarettes were also found on a random sample, Customs decided to examine the approximately 1.7 tonnes of similar cargo that was transiting through Luxembourg.
Smuggling rackets of this type remain difficult to dismantle
For three months, a team of 24 people analysed packets one after the other and found contraband cigarettes in almost every packet. These cigarettes, originating from Asian countries and often hidden among other products, are not allowed to be sold in Europe and have now been destroyed, said customs officer Yves Lentz.
However, it is difficult to punish the people involved in this traffic, because 2,400 parcels means that Customs now have to find 2,400 individuals, Lentz explained. He announced that this case will nevertheless make it possible to reinforce vigilance on this type of traffic and improve cooperation with foreign authorities.
Luxembourg customs generally intercept a few hundred thousand cigarettes per year. Most of them concern travellers who carry more than the authorised limit in their luggage, and who must therefore pay additional taxes and a penalty.
