Varese, major seizure at Malpensa: over 2.500 cartons of cigarettes and 160 kg of contraband molasses.

La Finance Police of Varese, together with the officials of theCustoms agency and monopolies, has achieved an important result in the fight against illicit trafficking by air: seized 2.594 packs of cigarettes and over 160 kg of smuggled molasses, for a commercial value that exceeds the 165.000 €.

The operation took place at theairport Milano Malpensa, where customs controls were strengthened during the autumn period. The activity, conducted by Malpensa Group and by 'ADM Travel Office, is part of a broader scheme aimed at identifying and repressing smuggling of Non-Union Manufactured Tobacco.

Nine passengers reported and over 250 administrative fines imposed

In detail, the action of the Guardia di Finanza led to:

• 9 people reported for tobacco smuggling, in violation of art. 84 of Legislative Decree 141/2024;

• 254 administrative sanctions fines imposed on passengers found in possession of quantities exceeding or lacking the required tax stamps;

• total fines of approximately 3,5 million euros.

Most of the sanctioned travellers came from countries of the North Africa and East AsiaThe cigarettes were transported in personal luggage and were found to be without the national symbols, a sign of total evasion of customs duties.

The operation confirms the constant monitoring activity of the Guardia di Finanza and the ADM for the protection of legality and the economic interests of the State, in a sector – that of tobacco smuggling – particularly lucrative for criminal organizations.