Contraband Cigarettes Seized at Moldovan Border

Moldovan Customs Seizes Hundreds of Cigarettes at Costesti Border Crossing A significant amount of contraband cigarettes was discovered on June 4, 2025, at the Costesti customs post in Moldova. Customs officials, aided by a trained canine unit, uncovered 618 packs of various cigarette brands concealed within a minivan. The vehicle, driven by a 39-year-old Moldovan citizen en route to the Netherlands, was stopped for a routine inspection. The dog's alert prompted a thorough search, revealing the hidden cigarettes stashed in cleverly designed compartments beneath the vehicle's floorboards and in other hidden areas. "The dog's keen sense of smell was instrumental in this discovery," stated a customs official in an interview. The seized cigarettes are subject to confiscation, and the driver faces potential legal action under Article 287, point (10) of the Code of Offenses. This successful operation highlights the ongoing efforts of Moldovan customs to combat smuggling and protect the country's economic interests. The incident serves as a reminder of the sophisticated methods used by smugglers and the importance of advanced detection techniques in border security.