Spot checks in shops yield contraband alcohol

Customs officials have confiscated 232 bottles of alcohol on which no tax was paid after routine searches in several shops.

Officials conducted the routine searches of shops in Gzira, Paceville, Fgura, Bugibba and Xemxija. They also seized 3,360 unused excise stamps.

The confiscated spirits did not have excise banderols on the shelves.

The customs enforcement section has been clamping down on the sale of beverages and spirits not bearing any excise tags, in an effort to hamper contraband operations and collect the taxes owed, the department said.