Southeastern Romania: EUR 4 mln worth of smuggled cigarettes seized in major Constanța Port bust
<p>Romanian border police and customs officials have seized over EUR 4 million worth of smuggled cigarettes hidden inside a shipping container at Constanța South Agigea Port. The bust, which uncovered more than 15 million undeclared cigarettes, is one of the largest recorded this year.</p>

<p>The container, which arrived from the United Arab Emirates and was declared as carrying paper rolls, was intercepted following a targeted risk assessment. Upon thorough inspection by border police, customs officials, and officers from the Organized Crime Brigade, authorities discovered 15.5 million cigarettes without excise stamps concealed inside.</p>

<p>The shipment was destined for a Romanian company, but the investigation revealed falsified documentation, leading to suspicions of customs fraud and large-scale smuggling, the border police <a href="https://www.politiadefrontiera.ro/ro/garda-de-coasta/i-peste-15-milioane-de-tigarete-in-valoare-de-aproximativ-4-milioane-de-euro-descoperite-intrun-container-de-catre-politistii-de-frontiera-41110.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">said</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The total market value of the confiscated goods is estimated at RON 20 million, equivalent to roughly EUR 4 million.</p>

<p>Legal proceedings are underway under the coordination of prosecutors.</p>

<p><i>irina.marica@romania-insider.com</i></p>

<p><i>(Photo source: Politiadefrontiera.ro)</i></p>