Customs officials successfully thwarted two illicit activities involving the smuggling and evasion of customs duties, as well as an attempt to illegally export goods, last week. The Customs Administration announced on Monday that products valued at Mden 273,000 (EUR 4,437) were seized in the first case, where an importer tried to elude customs duties by intermingling them with declared goods. The contraband, including 500 square meters of laminate and 43 pieces of furniture, was uncovered by mobile teams during a vehicle inspection at the Kumanovo Customs Office.

Simultaneously, at the Kjafasan border crossing, customs officials intercepted an endeavor to unlawfully export auto parts worth nearly Mden 200,000 (EUR 3,250). The items, hidden in various compartments of a motor vehicle whose driver claimed to have an empty vehicle with nothing to declare, were exposed during an inspection. A total of 241 pieces of different auto parts were discovered concealed between seats, under the driver and passenger seats, in the center console, and within the left and right door pockets, lacking the required documentation.

Furthermore, the Customs Administration reported the prevention of an attempt to smuggle 100 bottles of Helix plus collagen into the country by an Albanian citizen. The bottles were concealed in three black bags within the passenger’s backpack at the Kjafasan border crossing.

In response to these incidents, all seized goods were confiscated, and misdemeanor charges were filed against the individuals involved in the smuggling attempts. The Customs Administration remains vigilant in its efforts to combat illegal activities and ensure compliance with customs regulations.