Border Control Seizure: Discovery of 12,000 Cigarettes Hidden in Traveler's Luggage
Last Sunday, a 23-year-old Latvian citizen was checked on a train near Lindau. The incident led to an unexpected discovery - approximately 12,000 cigarettes were found in her suitcase.
The cigarettes were a mix of those marked with Polish tax bands and others from duty-free shops. The tobacco tax due for these cigarettes amounts to around 2,500 euros.
However, the woman's statement about the cigarettes being for her own consumption was not fully believed by the officials. Given that she had hardly any cash, she was asked to pay in writing.
Initially, the case was handed over to the customs office in Friedrichshafen due to fiscal circumstances. However, the customs office in Friedrichshafen is no longer involved in the case.
The Main Customs Office Ulm is now responsible for the case, and Sarah Mayer, who is in charge of press affairs, can provide further information. She can be contacted via telephone at 0731/9648-10007 or via email at [email protected].
Following the discovery, a tax evasion procedure was initiated against the woman. After settling the matter, she continued her journey to Frankfurt/Main with an empty suitcase.
The Main Customs Office Ulm urges travellers to be aware of the tax regulations regarding tobacco products and to declare them properly to avoid any potential issues.
