UIO and SIPA Seize Tobacco and Cigarettes Worth 288,750 KM

(Patria) - In several separate operations, authorized officers of the Indirect Taxation Authority (UIO) of BiH, in cooperation with officers of the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA), seized a large quantity of tobacco, tobacco products and equipment worth 288,750 KM.

In the area of Banja Luka, UIO officers from all regional centers, in cooperation with SIPA officers, participated in conducting operational activities under the code name "King" aimed at preventing illegalities in the sale of excise products.

During the implementation of the aforementioned operational activities, a total of 27,283 packs of cigarettes and 350.7 kg of cut tobacco, as well as a cigarette filling machine, were found and temporarily seized from several individuals.

The seized tobacco and cigarettes were not marked with UIO excise stamps, and the total market value of the temporarily seized goods is estimated at 232,000.00 KM.

Acting on previously obtained intelligence information, as well as citizen reports, authorized UIO officers from all regional centers conducted operational checks on the implementation of the Law on Excises in BiH in the territories of Banja Luka, Trebinje, Zenica and Tuzla.

On that occasion, at several locations, they found 132.5 kg of cut tobacco, 4,971 packs of cigarettes and 3,840 hand-rolled cigarettes in the possession of a number of individuals.

The goods in question were not properly marked with UIO excise stamps, and their value is estimated at 56,750 KM.

When taking measures within their competence, UIO officers used specialized equipment donated to the Administration by the US Embassy in BiH through the EXBS Program, as well as by UNDP/UNODC.

The Indirect Taxation Authority of BiH invites all citizens to report any form of customs or VAT evasion, or illegal sale of excise products, to their open line 080 02 06 07. All calls are free and completely anonymous.