Customs Seize 9,000 Smuggled Cigarettes in Germany
Customs officers in Regensburg intercepted a Bulgarian driver with a staggering 9,000 smuggled cigarettes. The driver attempted to conceal the illicit goods in various parts of his vehicle, but his efforts were in vain.
The driver, a 40-year-old Bulgarian, was pulled over on the A3 near Straubing-Bogen. Initially, he denied carrying any illegal goods. However, a thorough inspection by customs officers revealed a trove of cigarettes hidden in unusual places - 2,000 in a spare wheel, 2,400 in a sports bag, 2,800 on the engine block, and 1,800 in the original spare tire.
All the seized cigarettes bore Bulgarian tax stamps, indicating they were intended for illegal sale in Germany to avoid German taxes. René Matschke, head of the Main Customs Office Regensburg, commended the officers for their vigilance and persistence in uncovering the smuggled goods.
The driver now faces a criminal proceeding for tax evasion, which could result in fines or imprisonment of up to five years, or up to ten years in more serious cases. The seized cigarettes, totaling 9,000, will be disposed of according to German law.
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