The Civil Guard has seized 5,000 packets of tobacco without legal seals at Manises airport, during two operations bound for Palma de Mallorca. The incidents occurred on June 5 and 9.
The Civil Guard has filed a report for tobacco smuggling and seized 5,000 packets at Manises airport, on two flights bound for Palma de Mallorca. The Armed Institute has detailed that the operations took place on June 5 and 9, during routine checks by the Fiscal and Border Section.
Two suitcases loaded with illegal tobacco
The first incident occurred on June 5, when agents detected two large suitcases in the boarding area. Upon opening them in the presence of the passengers, they found 3,500 packets of tobacco without legal seals. The two travellers, a Spaniard and a Romanian, claimed to be unaware of the contents of the luggage.
As a result of these events, a smuggling report was filed against both, which was sent to the Tax Agency for sanctioning. Authorities consider this a serious infringement for tobacco smuggling.
Second operation with abandoned luggage
On June 9, agents intercepted another two suitcases bound for Palma, which contained 1,500 packets of tobacco. On this occasion, the passenger did not show up for boarding and left the airport, so they could not be identified or sanctioned on the spot.
The suitcases were also seized, and an investigation is underway into a possible connection with smuggling networks. The Civil Guard reminds that tobacco without legal seals not only evades taxes but can also pose a health risk by not meeting sanitary controls.
Impact on the Balearics: a sensitive market
The destination of these shipments was Palma de Mallorca, a common entry point for smuggled tobacco due to high tourist demand and price differences with other countries. The operations at Manises aim to cut one of the illegal supply routes to the islands.
For Balearic consumers, the sale of smuggled tobacco represents unfair competition for legal tobacconists and a loss of tax revenue. Authorities recommend purchasing tobacco only from authorised establishments and being wary of offers significantly below market price.
The Civil Guard has strengthened controls at the airports of origin for flights to the Balearics, especially during the peak tourist season. So far this year, more than 20,000 packets have been seized in similar operations at Manises airport.
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