Customs officers have made a significant bust at the Le Boulou toll plaza, intercepting a lorry at the French-Spanish border that contained over 2.1 tonnes of hidden cigarettes.
Roadside Checks
During a routine check at the toll barrier, customs officials from the Perthus brigade selected a Polish-registered lorry arriving from Spain. When questioned, the driver, who was alone, claimed he was heading to the Netherlands with a load of empty packaging and crates.
Upon opening the trailer’s rear doors, officers noticed two plastic crates, which initially concealed the rest of the cargo.
2,1 tonnes de #cigarettes découvertes par les douaniers de la brigade du Perthus !
— Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (@douane_france) October 17, 2024
En contrôle au péage du Boulou, ils procèdent au contrôle d’un ensemble routier immatriculé en Pologne en provenance d’Espagne. La fouille de la remorque leur permettra de découvrir des… pic.twitter.com/AU0w375CTt
Discovery of the Cache
Customs officers proceeded to search the trailer, uncovering several wrapped pallets behind the empty crates. After removing the plastic film from one of the pallets, they discovered numerous cartons filled with cigarettes. In total, the officers unearthed nine pallets containing more than 2.1 tonnes of contraband cigarettes.
Judicial Follow-Up
The driver was placed under customs detention and later handed over to the Perpignan branch of the Office National Anti-Fraude (ONAF). On October 15, he was presented before the Perpignan Magistrates’ Court, where he received the following sentences:
Confiscation of the cigarettes and the tractor involved in the smuggling operation.
Two years of suspended imprisonment for the prosecution.
A customs fine of €1,350,000 for tax violations.
