H.M. Customs has confirmed the formal charging of two airline employees and a passenger in connection with an on-going investigation involving duty evasion and the smuggling of goods under the Customs Law (2012 Revision).

All three persons were formally charged on Friday, 13 June 2014 for Evading Customs Duty, relating to seven cartons of cigarettes at the Owen Roberts International Airport in May and will appear in Summary Court on Tuesday, 24 June, 2014.

Deputy Collector of Customs (Enforcement) Marlon Bodden said, “We sincerely hope that the message will soon reach the right ears, and those involved in this type of illegal activity clearly understand that HM Customs is serious about dismantling this type of organized activity. While we understand on the big scheme of things, the quantity of smuggled items may be small, it’s the principle that matters. It is very concerning that trusted and authorized persons within restricted areas are engaging in such actions.”

Anyone with information relating to this type of crime is asked to contact H.M. Custom’s tip-line 1-800- 534-8477 or email: [email protected].

The initial report that was released 21 May 2014 is below:

HM Customs Continues Enforcement Momentum

During the first two weeks in May, HM Customs conducted specific operations at the Owen Roberts International Airport dealing with the evasion of customs duties and smuggling of goods.

An operation spanning three days saw the arrest of three persons, two of whom are understood to be airline employees. Items involved were seven cartons of duty-free cigarettes.

HM Custom’s officials commenced a special operation at the Owen Roberts International Airport specifically designed to tackle reported ‘evading of customs duties and smuggling of dutiable goods’.

Initially two airline employees, a female aged 21 years and a 26-year-old male, were arrested. The operation continued into the week when another female aged 35 years was arrested upon her arrival in the Cayman Islands.

All three persons are on bail while investigations are continuing; however charges are anticipated.

Collector of Customs Samantha Bennett said, “We are aware that there’s a growing trend of smuggling involving duty-free cigarettes, and we have identified the varying techniques used. These cigarettes will eventually end up on the black market, but we will make every effort to stop those criminals who seek to make money from smuggling of goods, whether the goods are legal or illegal”.

Anyone with Information relating to this type of crime is asked to contact HM Customs’ tip-line on 1-800-534-8477 or CrimeStoppers on 800-8477 (TIPS).

(Attached – photograph of the seized cigarettes)