Three packages of cigars imported illegally

Over 100 boxes of cigars were seized by Customs authority.

On November 20, 2019, Tan Son Nhat International Airport Customs Branch (HCM City Customs Department) coordinated with the Southern Anti-smuggling Enforcement Unit (Anti-smuggling and Investigation Department – General Department of Vietnam Customs) to inspect three pieces of lost luggage and found they contained cigars.

The luggage belonged to a male passenger N.D.H (born in 1996) who arrived on flight No.VN604 from Bangkok to HCM City. However, he did not pick up the luggage so it was taken to lost property.

Through inspection, Customs authorities detected 122 boxes of cigars of all kinds (containing 2,487 individual cigars) with intact manufacturers' seals, originating from Cuba. The passenger was unable to present a license or related documents.

Under current regulations, passengers entering Vietnam are only allowed to bring 20 cigars to comply with the luggage allowance standard and exempt from import tax, not subject to special consumption tax and value added tax for cigars.

Currently, Tan Son Nhat International Airport Customs Branch is keeping the consignment for further investigation and handling in accordance with regulations.

Previously, on October 24, the working group also coordinated to check and seize three pieces of luggage containing cigars of all kinds imported from Cuba to Ho Chi Minh City.

These are some pictures of the confiscated cigars:

Three items of lost luggage were filled with cigars inside.

Each luggage contained dozens of cigars boxes

Those ciagrs originated from Cuba

Each box contained 20-30 individuals cigars

All cigar boxes was sealed and held in custody.