German customs seize 330 kg of untaxed hookah tobacco in highway bust
Customs officers in Lörrach have seized 330 kilograms of untaxed hookah tobacco hidden in a van on the A5 highway. The vehicle, registered in Luxembourg, was stopped during a routine check, leading to tax evasion charges against both occupants. The discovery took place when officials inspected a van with Luxembourg plates. Inside, they found 55 cardboard boxes, each holding six tins of hookah tobacco—all labelled in German. The total haul amounted to 330 kilograms, yet none of the containers carried the required tax stamps. The seized tobacco will remain in custody while authorities proceed with the investigation. If convicted, the two occupants could face penalties for IRS evasion. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat illegal tobacco trafficking on major European routes.
