During the course of a routine patrol yesterday, Thursday, the 1st of December 2011, AFM patrol vessel P61 detected the locally-registered vessel MFD 53 Crystal Starlight heading towards Malta from the east. The AFM patrol craft conducted a verbal challenge of the vessel and, based on the responses given by the master of the Crystal Starlight, it was decided to conduct a boarding operation aboard the fishing vessel.

During the course of the boarding, AFM personnel noted a significant amount of cigarettes and loose tobacco that were clearly not intended for the personal consumption of the crew. On the basis of this, Police and Customs authorities were informed and the vessel was escorted to Grand Harbour. Subsequent searches aboard the vessel revealed the presence of cigarettes and tobacco equivalent to almost 4000 cartons of cigarettes. It is suspected that these are contraband items intended for illegal sale on the local market.

Investigations into the case are continuing with the case now the subject of a magisterial enquiry.

Permalink: Seizure of suspected contraband tobacco and cigarettes