180 cartons of undeclared cigarettes, mostly Asian made brands, were confiscated by customs agents from foreign longliners on Monday.
Since the excise tax for cigarettes went up in mid 2015, the Customs Division has been vigilant in their inspection of all vessels coming into the territory to ensure that contraband cigarettes are not smuggled into the territory.
Chief of Customs Moetului Sipili Fuiava says on Monday customs discovered 180 cartons of cigarettes on two Asian owned fishing boats.
The cigarettes were not declared giving appearances that the owners tried to to import them without paying the duty which is $60 per carton.
The total excise tax for all 180 cartons would be $10,800.
For fishing vessels, customs makes allowances for cigarettes intended for the crew and these also have to be declared.
But in the case of the 180 cartons which were seized, there was no record of the cigarettes.
When asked if the boat owners will be charged for attempted smuggling and avoiding payment of excise taxes, the customs chief said that decision will be made by the Attorney General’s Office.
Under local statute a person, firm, or corporation who fails to pay the excise tax for cigarettes at the point of entry is subject to a Class A misdemeanor and/or $1,000 fine per cigarette, per cigar or per 10 grams of smoking tobacco.
