For contraband cigarettes jailed for 3 years
A 33 year old Sydney woman has been jailed for three years after being found guilty of tobacco smuggling offences. Nada Sowaid, of Auburn, was found guilty of intentionally and dishonestly causing a loss to the Commonwealth contrary to the Criminal Code Act (Cth).
Customs and Border Protection investigations began in December 2008 following the interception of two shipping containers in Sydney. The containers were found to contain 18,734 kilograms of undeclared molasses tobacco.
Customs and Border Protection National Manager of Investigations, KingsleyWoodford-Smith, said the conviction sends a strong warning to those attempting to defraud the Commonwealth of legitimate revenue by smuggling tobacco.
“The smuggling of tobacco products denies the community of legitimate revenue and exposes consumers to greater risk because the goods are usually made in unregulated facilities,” Woodford-Smith said.
Individuals who attempt to smuggle tobacco could face up to 10 years jail and severe financial penalties.