Record in contraband alcohol and tobacco seized in south-west France
Goods had come from Andorra and are believed to have been intended for sale in Haute-Garonne and Tarn departments
Hundreds of contraband cigarette cartons were also taken
Police nationale du Tarn
A record quantity of contraband alcohol and cigarettes, as well as €38,000 in cash, have been seized by police during a raid in south-west France.
The products, originating from Andorra, are believed to have been intended for sale around the Haute-Garonne and Tarn departments.
Almost 500 cartons of cigarettes and 195 bottles of the popular aniseed pastis aperitif Ricard were found with the money in two vehicles. The goods and vehicles were seized.
Four suspects were taken into custody in Albi (Tarn) and Cornebarrieu (Haute-Garonne) as part of the raid on September 16.
Andorran goods often found in Occitanie
The goods had been smuggled into France from Andorra, where they are significantly cheaper due to lower alcohol and tobacco taxes.
For example, 1 litre of Ricard costs around €20 in France (at the best available price) but in Andorra the same bottle costs around €8.
Andorran goods can often be found in the Occitanie region – particularly alcohol and cigarettes – but usually in a small quantity, and often by people who have travelled to Andorra to buy the products themselves.
Personal supply limits on alcohol brought back from Andorra include 5 litres maximum for wine, 1.5 litres for spirits, and 3 litres for fortified wines including Port and Madeira.
Only 300 cigarettes can be brought back from Andorra to France, or 400 grams of rolling tobacco. The full list of limits can be found here on the official French customs website.
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