Cologne/Bonn Airport customs seize record 57,000 cigarettes

Customs officials at Cologne/Bonn Airport in Germany have seized approximately 57,000 untaxed cigarettes in a record-breaking smuggling attempt. A 28-year-old Belgian woman, traveling from Istanbul with her seven-year-old son, attempted to pass through the green customs exit intended for passengers with no goods to declare.

Authorities discovered that the woman was carrying twelve pieces of luggage, including four large suitcases and eight smaller bags, which contained almost exclusively cigarettes rather than personal items or clothing. Even the child's backpack was found to be filled with the contraband.

Customs spokesperson Jens Ahland noted that while travelers returning from Turkey with excessive tobacco are common, the volume found in this instance sets a new record for the department. A tax criminal proceeding has been initiated against the woman. The seized cigarettes are scheduled for destruction following the conclusion of legal proceedings.