UIO BiH: Cigarettes and tobacco worth 35,000 KM seized in three separate operations

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Authorized officers of the Indirect Taxation Authority in three separate operations in the area of Tuzla and the municipality of Bratunac seized cigarettes and cut tobacco worth 35,000 KM.

Authorized officers of the UIO, the Group for Prevention of Smuggling and Misdemeanors, Regional Center Tuzla, based on previous operational knowledge in the area of Tuzla, found a larger quantity of cigarettes and cut tobacco at one individual's premises, which were not marked in the prescribed manner with UIO excise stamps.

This involved 1,380 packs of cigarettes and 10 kg of finely cut tobacco, the Indirect Taxation Authority announced.

In an operation in the area of Tuzla, authorized officers of the UIO, in cooperation with the Cantonal Administration for Inspection Affairs of TK and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of TK, PS Centar, found a larger quantity of cut tobacco and cigarettes at five individuals' premises, which were not marked in the legally prescribed manner.

This involved 1,140 packs of cigarettes, 5,385 hand-rolled cigarettes, and 18 kg of finely cut tobacco.

In the third separate operation in the area covered by the UIO Regional Center in Tuzla, officers of the Group for Prevention of Smuggling and Misdemeanors, based on previous operational knowledge in the area of the municipality of Bratunac, found a larger quantity of cigarettes without legally prescribed excise stamps and finely cut tobacco at an individual's premises, specifically 1,980 packs and 30 kg of finely cut tobacco.

The seized goods were not marked in the prescribed manner with excise stamps issued by the Indirect Taxation Authority, nor was there any documentation regarding the origin of the goods. The value of the seized goods in these three separate operations amounts to 35,000 KM, and legally prescribed measures and actions have been taken against the individuals from whom the goods were temporarily seized.

Specialized equipment, as well as vehicles donated by the US Embassy through the EXBS program, were used during the implementation of measures within their jurisdiction.