Tobacco smuggling a real problem

SMUGGLING of undeclared goods is becoming an issue in Fiji as the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority yesterday intercepted processed tobacco in tea bags concealed inside a machine in Suva.

And while authority CEO JitokoTikolevu could not reveal the market value of the processed tobacco last night because of initial investigations, he confirmed the discovery was made when his Customs officers inspecting the container felt suspicious of its contents.

“Apart from processed tobacco, air filters, smoke pipes, cartons of screws and power controllers were also inside the machine,” Mr Tikolevu said.