International cooperation has led to thwarting the smuggling of 600,000 packs of cigarettes worth NIS millions.

According to the Tax Authority report, international intelligence cooperation led to the apprehension of a container in the Port of Haifa which contained cigarettes while the bill of lading said the container contained clothing. The container was stored in the ship, reaching India, carrying out transshipment activities at the Port of Haifa on its way to Greece and contained more than 1,000 boxes with each containing 50 packets of Chinese cigarettes, some owned by Philip Morris.

As a result of British Customs intelligence information pertaining to smuggling, money laundering and tax evasion, the container was identified and located, and Value Added Tax inspectors arrived on the port, examining the contents of the lift with x-ray prior to opening it.

British tax officials estimate the 600,000 packs of cigarettes are worth NIS 18 million.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)