Millions of Cigarettes Seized in Multi-Nation Operation

The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) led a large-scale joint customs operation, NOXIA II, successfully targeting shipments suspected of containing illicit cigarettes, waste, drug precursors, and pesticides.

The operation led to the coordinated seizure by the participating customs authorities of 149.5 million cigarettes, over 3,000 tonnes of illicit waste, 66.5 kg of pseudoephedrine, 52 tonnes of solid pesticides, and 21,000 liters of liquid pesticides.

NOXIA II revealed the use of sophisticated global routes to smuggle cigarettes into the Asia-Pacific region and Europe. The smuggling of cigarettes via sea containers remains the main threat, given the low risk it presents compared with the high illicit profits derived from the trafficking of large volumes of cigarettes. Other global trends detected include the use of dark vessels, air freight, e-commerce and postal parcels. Over 105 tonnes of tobacco, more than 223,000 e-cigarettes and 114 liters of e-liquids were also intercepted, preventing large quantities of illegal and unregulated products from entering consumer markets.

NOXIA II is a unique joint customs operation designed to facilitate the exchange of real-time information on suspicious shipments and place them under surveillance by participating customs authorities simultaneously in Asia and Europe.

Seventeen countries from the Asia-Pacific region took part in