Contraband tobacco confiscated off coast of Crete

Over 2,300 boxes seized

Over 2,300 boxes of contraband cigarettes were confiscated by Greek port authorities off the coast of Crete, Tuesday. The authorities detected the illegal cargo on a cargo ship named ‘GROT-YUG’ and escorted it to the Souda bay on the northwest coast of Crete. The 6-member foreign crew were all detained. The operation was successful after information of a suspicious cargo ship was relayed to sea authorities by a port aircraft on patrol. Special forces boarded the ship and after questioning discovered the freighter’s papers were not in order. Customs officers then boarded the ship and ascertained the cargo was missing a lading bill. The 6 crew members will be taken to the relevant Prosecutor in the city of Chania.