Helena Grech
Tuesday, 7 November 2017, 17:30
A 46-year-old Ethiopian today was found guilty of being in possession of over 42,400 contraband cigarettes and roughly three kilograms of shisha tobacco after a raid was carried out in his Msida bar. He was sentenced to one-year imprisonment suspended to 18 months, and slapped with a fine of €24,716 payable in monthly installments for up to three years.
Yirgu Zekarge was arrested on 27 October of this year after customs officials carried out the raid.
Presiding magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech took into consideration the accused’s early admittance of guilt and his cooperation with the police to further their investigations.
Customs officials estimate that the cigarettes and tobacco are worth €1,276 which carry an excise duty of €7,496, with an import duty and VAT worth €742 and €1,712 respectively.
The cigarettes were of various brands such as Business Royals, American Gold Eagle, Richman, Pall Mall, Three Stars Light and American Legend. The tobacco packets were of the brands Two Apples Molasses Water Pipe Tobacco and Natural Minst Molasses Water Pipe Tobacco.
Lawyer Veronique Dalli represented the accused while inspector Yvonne Farrugia prosecuted.
Source – The Malta Independent