During a routine security check in the transit area of Vienna Airport, customs officials uncovered a major smuggling attempt. The officers found a total of 59 kilograms of hookah tobacco in the luggage of a 78-year-old Dutch citizen who was traveling from Cairo via Vienna to Copenhagen. The suspected smuggler had checked in three pieces of luggage, which led to the extensive find during the inspection.
The illegally transported tobacco was immediately confiscated, and criminal financial proceedings were initiated against the traveler. State Secretary Barbara Eibinger-Miedl emphasized the importance of such controls for fairness and order in the economic system. She emphasized that customs is a key pillar in the fight against smuggling and tax fraud and contributes to protecting Austrian companies and securing tax revenues.
This incident is one of a series of arrests at Vienna Airport in which smugglers attempted to transport large quantities of duty-free goods to Europe. Just last December, customs officials at Vienna Airport seized 170.000 cigarettes and approximately 50 kilograms of waterpipe tobacco being transported by three travelers from Cairo. These finds underscore the ongoing efforts of the Austrian customs authorities to prevent illegal flows of goods.
The consistent controls at Vienna Airport aim to both combat illegal trade and ensure fair competition for domestic companies. This current case once again demonstrates the vigilance of customs officials and the effectiveness of security measures in the airport's transit area.
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