Finance minister Yuriko Backes (DP) with customs agents at Findel airport where the counterfeit cigarettes were found Photo:  Customs and Excise Agency

Finance minister Yuriko Backes (DP) with customs agents at Findel airport where the counterfeit cigarettes were found Photo:  Customs and Excise Agency

Luxembourg customs have uncovered and seized 1.9 million smuggled Chinese cigarettes destined for the UK, almost 14 pallets worth.

The contraband was concealed among clothing, shoes, food, electronics and personal effects.

To find the cigarettes 2,400 packages were sifted through by 24 customs officers working for three months to uncover them at the Findel Cargocenter.

Yuriko Backes (DP), finance minister did not fail to come in person and congratulate the officials of the customs administration: “You take on multiple tasks and protect our trade, consumers and our health. Congratulations on this record discovery.”

Luxembourg customs tracked down the smugglers thanks to information from Great Britain. The customs office has now intensified its communication with British authorities to exchange information on the seizures.

At the end of 2021, the customs agency created a unit specialising specifically in cigarette smuggling.

In 2021, the volume of cargo at Luxembourg airport exceeded the million tonne mark for the first time, with 1.125 million tonnes, recording an increase of 19% compared to 2020.