Kingston, Jamaica: Over 400 cases of illegal cigarettes valued at J$120M, have been seized by the Jamaica Customs Contraband Enforcement Team (CET) at approximately 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 6, 2010.

Responding to intelligence received, the CET executed a search of premises occupied by a Construction Company, bordered by the Kingston Container Terminals (KCT). The search resulted in the initial seizure of seventy five (75) master cases of Cigarettes (over half million sticks of the tobacco product).

Further investigations revealed broken seals on a container at KCT waiting to be exported to St. Maarten. Cigarettes of the same packaging and type were found in the container with the indication that some boxes were missing. The container, along with the 75 cases of the cigarettes, were subsequently seized by the CET and forfeiture proceedings have been initiated.

The Customs Border Protection Unit and the Hunts Bay Police will conduct further investigations.