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[Watch] AFM intercept large consignment of contraband cigarettes at sea
An AFM sting operation on the high seas yields large consignment of contraband cigarettes.
17 February 2013, 12:00am
Karl Stagno-Navarra
Karl Stagno-Navarra
1 min read
Some of the boxes with contraband cigarettes intercepted by the AFM
At least five persons are said to have been arrested in connection to the seizure of a considerable consignment of contraband cigarettes off Malta.
The operation, conducted by the Armed Forces during a routine patrol some 35 miles South East of Malta, two vessels were intercepted while engaged in irregular cargo transfer.
An AFM aircraft, also deployed to the scene continued to monitor the vessels until one left and headed towards Malta. The AFM aircraft continued to monitor the progress of this craft and dispatched one of the newly acquired rigid hull inflatable boats.
Rapid deployment personnel boarded the vessel and discovered 39 boxes containing 390,000 cigarettes.
All suspects involved in the operation, were handed to the police for further investigations.
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I got the initial impression that a huge cache was involved. Not some 10/12 boxes worth, probably just the cost of petrol was greater than the tax evaded. WHEN ARE THE BIG FISH GOING TO GET CAUGHT????? We are not impressed!!!
