25 June 2002

The Customs Service today announced that it has laid charges against four men and a company alleged to be involved in a joint enterprise to smuggle cigarettes into New Zealand.

The charges relate to the importation of 1,993,600 cigarettes, concealed within articles of furniture in a sea freight container at Auckland on or about 30 May 2002.

The charges carry maximum fines of up to $750,000, or prison sentences of up to 6 months.

The first calling for this matter is Friday 28 June 2002 at 09:30 a.m. at the District Court at Auckland.

…/ends