Hidden posts for illegal smuggling

HM CUSTOMS Gibraltar take the matter of tobacco smuggling very seriously as required by government and have set up hidden observation posts in the area of the North Mole in order to catch gangs transporting illegal tobacco across the water to the Alcaidesa port.

This information was revealed in evidence from a customs officer at the recent trial of 24-year-old Adrian Burgos Castillo from La Linea who was found guilty of having been involved in the smuggling operation in the early hours of March 19 of this year.

According to the witness, as a car, with 60,000 cigarettes onboard and its headlights turned off arrived two boats approached the scene, expecting to collect the tobacco.

Customs officers were quick to apprehend the vehicle, arresting Mr. Castillo and the driver of the car, however four others managed to evade the officers and fled on the vessel. Mr. Castillo has been fined £3,000.